Well here we are again in lock down level 3 in Auckland.
These unexpected announcements; that within a few hours we will be in lock down, affects our psyche in negative ways. Worry and anxiety about our businesses, jobs and the future.
The resulting stress triggers the body’s alarm system and fires the fight/flight response filling us with adrenaline and cortisol the stress hormone. The fight/flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening. We get heart palpitations, panic, headaches, gut problems and insomnia.
The three stages of fight/flight are alarm, resistance and exhaustion. Often if the stress is ongoing we go fight/flight/freeze. In freeze we become cold, numb, can’t feel the body, feel out of it, dissociated, stuck and can’t think clearly and the body tires. When this happens the immune system plummets.
This phenomenon happens to us all too some degree, even if we think we are handling it well. The thing that most concerns me at the moment is that our children are being badly affected by this also. Being isolated from their friends and home schooled is very difficult for them.
Going in and out of lock down is programming children with a memory of stress in the body that triggers the fight/flight response. It can begin to transmit false alarms – we are not in a life or death situation. Annoying yes, uncomfortable yes but not life or death. However, this autonomic response acts as if it is life or death.
It is important for all of us adults and children to learn how to de-escalate our stress levels, keep our immune system high and keep our minds clear to make good decisions.
I offer sessions to teach you how to learn to do this: de-escalate stress, breathe properly, make good decisions, keep your immune system high and take control back.
We are still working during lock down – either on line via zoom or face to face adhering to required safety procedures. Book an appointment with me to learn to how master yourself and your children for everyone’s well-being.
Vivienne Berry
