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karen elena james
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fight-flight-freeze

versus rest-digest

When we feel threatened, the body's Fight-Flight-Freeze response goes into action.​

The limbic system is the part of the brain that regulates stimulation, emotion, learning,  memory and involves social connectedness.

It has 2 parts: the sympathetic division which activates "fight flight or freeze" immediately when we perceive danger and the parasympathetic division which 
returns us to the "rest and digest" state after the (perceived) danger has passed.

​The return to rest happens slowly. For the chronically stressed, return to a relaxed state can be very difficult.


You cannot be in fight-flight-freeze and the rest-digest states at the same time.
To move from fear or stress (high beta) to relaxed (alpha or theta),
use practices such as relaxation techniques (see my breathing exercises) or meditation / hypnosis / ritual.

These help to slow down and end the fight-flight-freeze response.

© copyright karen elena james 2020 ​
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  • Home
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    • 5 Steps to Raise Your Self-Esteem & Internal Power
    • Why Change is Difficult
    • HIgh Sensitivity & Low Self-Esteem
    • Awareness
    • Self-expression
    • Reflection & Meditation
    • Gratitude
    • Guidance
    • 13 Techniques to Overcome Feeling Socially Awkward
    • Stop feeling small & self-critical and learn self-acceptance
    • Your People Pleasing Keeps Others Happy; What Does It Do For You?
    • If you're a sensitive person, creating boundaries is a necessity
    • The Complicated Path of Healing From a Dysfunctional Family
    • 9 Ways to Build Resilience
    • Is your self-worth dependent on external validation?
    • 7 ways to stop feeling like a victim
    • Self-care For Relationship Changes During Personal Growth
  • Wisdom
  • About
  • Free Resources
    • Boundaries Guide
    • Breathing to Reduce Stress
    • Bodhisattva Prayer for Humanity
    • Footprints in the Sand
    • The Velveteen Rabbit
    • Maybe, Maybe Not
    • 10 Guided Meditations for Wellness - a curated list
    • Honoring the Four Directions
    • The Guest House
    • Ithaca
    • A Prayer For Self Love
    • Where the Sidewalk Ends
    • Words to Express How You Feel
    • Create Your Personal Sanctuary
    • Fight Flight Freeze vs Rest
    • Chakras
    • What Makes You Happy Checklist
    • Intro to Body Awareness Exercise
    • Intro to Energy Awareness
    • Identify your emotional triggers
    • Authority Figures Exercise
    • How well do you know yourself?
  • Contact Me