Here’s how stress happens …
Someone says something or does something that triggers a threat response from you.
This triggers the amygdala inside your brain.
Your amygdala causes the release of cortisol and adrenaline.
Now your body is full of it.
In the presence of these stress chemicals, your prefrontal cortex, which usually does your thinking, becomes suppressed. You’re literally less capable of thinking properly during stress.
And yet, you’re likely to try and think your way out of it with positive thinking, reframing, telling yourself it’s fine, others telling you to calm down!
That doesn’t work.
Cortisol and adrenaline are chemicals. They need to be physically processed and discharged, not negotiated with.
Resolving stress is a body-led process.
So, here’s an unconventional physical treatment for stress that works on your body first.
Your body has a built-in feature that slows the heart rate, tightens blood vessels, and redirects blood to vital organs.
This mechanism is known as the ‘dive reflex’.
When activated, it results in a massive drop in your heart rate and a measurable reduction in your stress response.
“So, how do I do it?”
Simple.
Take a facecloth, wet it, and pop it in the fridge.
When you’re ready to hit the emergency stress-release button, go to the fridge, grab the facecloth, and place it on the back of your neck or the inside of your wrists.
This is not a distraction. It’s a genuine reset.
Your vagus nerve runs down your neck and comes close to the surface at the pulse points in your wrist.
Cold water here doesn’t just cool the skin; it directly stimulates the vagus nerve.
It’s a great technique. I hope you’ll try it. And even share it with those around you.
I’m imagining your office fridge full of facecloths in plastic bags with names on each of them.
LearnWell — Post 7 of 11