How to cope with threatening situations
You might be wondering what has coronavirus to do with polar bears. Well, the answer is they are both threats to our existence!
You might be wondering what has corona virus to do with polar bears. Well, the answer is they are both threats to our existence!
And when we are faced with this kind of life threats, we instinctively react by running away, feeling paralyzed or getting angry or a combination of these emotional responses. Being a solution focused hypnotherapist, in our sessions we always talk about how our brain works when we are faced with a threat (i.e. Polar bear) and what we can do to find a solution.
In this case, Coronavirus is the Polar bear! That means we find ourselves under the control of our emotions, no matter how intelligent we are. Because it's not up to us.
Yes, some might say "This will not happen to me! I'm smart, I know what to do! I'm a positive person! I'll isolate myself and everything will be ok!".
Yes, I agree! It never happens, until it does! And, we are humans! That means we are equipped with an intellectual brain and an emotional primitive brain, and the lather is far older and reacts very quickly, in matter of seconds, when it recognises an emergency or a crisis situation, like Coronavirus.
Because it has some very interesting features:
It's obsessional - that means it will constantly check and recheck (i.e. washing hands, cleaning everything.)
It's vigilant - meaning it is always on red alert, monitoring and surveying the surroundings to spot the elements of danger. It's like a watch dog that never sleeps!
It's a negative mind - and that means it will always see things from the worst possible perspective (i.e. "it could be fatal!").
It's not an intellect - that means it's not creative, it cannot create a beautiful, new future and for that reason it has to refer to previous patterns of behavior (i.e. last time when we . ...)
And for some people it can be instant, they start to panic, for other people it can be a gradual process. So, what can we do to stay in intellectual control, to remain calm, confident and positive in this threatening situation? We use the 3P's: • Positive thinking • Positive actions • Positive interactions
Be kind, meditate, read a book, watch a beautiful movie, pick up the phone and call a friend that will motivate you, go for a walk, write in your journal about all the good things in your life, what are you grateful for, forgive, laugh, love.
And the benefit is, our immune system is strengthened by showering our body and mind with the right kind of chemical, serotonin, oxytocin , endorphins, dopamine, etc. So, make a choice! Today... every day! Take control of your emotions and empower yourself! " Thank you so much for listening! I truly appreciate it!
Love and Stay Safe... Mariana