Since the chemicals released in the body during the fight or flight response are the primary culprits in much of the psychological and physiological damage associated with stress, let’s have a closer look at the situations which typically cause this type of response. The fight or flight response is triggered in circumstances of both acute and chronic stress, in response to a stressor that (1) is a real OR perceived attack, harm, or threat to survival, and (2) is perceived as being beyond the control of the person experiencing the stressor. Well that’s interesting. Perception seems to be a key ingredient to whether or not the fight or flight response is triggered. So then, what is perception? Well, according to dictionary.com perception is the result or product of becoming aware of, knowing or identifying by means of the senses. Ok, then my next logical question is, is it possible to change perceptions? Of course I always ask this question to my students and to this day I haven’t found anyone who does not believe that perceptions can change. So if perception, specifically perception of threat and lack of control, is necessary for the initiation of the fight or flight response, then doesn’t it make sense that if we practice changing the way we perceive stressful situations that are not truly life threatening and focusing on the areas where we do have control, we can begin to reduce the amount psychological and physiological damage associated with stress? Change your perceptions and take back some control. Simple. Not easy.
Next steps – How do we change perception or take back control…?
MEANINGFUL CONSUMERISM 