90-Seconds to Calm

“When a person has a reaction to something in their environment, there’s a 90 second chemical process that happens in the body; after that, any remaining emotional response is just the person choosing to stay in that emotional loop.”
― Jill Bolte Taylor
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I was gobsmacked when I first learned that, once a strong emotion is triggered, it takes a mere 90-seconds to run its course through the body.  Any continued anger, fear, resentment – you name it – results from the thoughts we continue to feed the situation.
 
Here’s how it plays out. Let’s say an aggressive driver cuts you off in traffic. Your brain perceives danger and releases chemicals that put you on high alert. Your body tenses and you feel intense anger and fear. The chemicals that cause the intense response flush out of the system in just 90-seconds! The event is in the past but we continue to feel angry. Why? Because of the thoughts we continue to think like, can you believe that S.O.B.! I could have been killed with that move! People should learn how to drive!  How inconsiderate! These thoughts re-stimulate the brain’s response and the cycle repeats.
 
So what can we do to break the cycle when a strong emotion is triggered? Try this simple S.T.O.P technique:
 
Stop and pause.
Take a few deep breaths.
Observe your experience including thoughts, feelings and body sensations.
Proceed in a way that is most helpful for your well-being.
 
S.T.O.P. helps you create space to interrupt the emotional cycle, gain perspectives and choose a better response. Let me know if you give it a try and how it works for you.

Wishing you greater peace, joy and well-being!
XO Angela