Upset to Setup

All of us are dealing with upsets in our lives.

Moments when our values, beliefs, norms, or safety are in danger. These can be real threats that might cause any harm or perceived threats that won’t physically harm us. Unfortunately, the amygdala, part of our brain, can not distinguish between real and perceived threats.

The result is a fight, flight or freeze response.

Just think of that nasty, unfair, or incorrect email you receive in the email from a coworker. You start typing your equally poor response and then hit send.

When you reread the email the following day, you think to yourself:

“What was I thinking?”

This is why you should never respond to emails in the evening. Especially not those emails that upset you.

The part of your brain that creates reason is called the neocortex. It’s that part of the brain that helps you to think through your response after an initial trigger.

Unfortunately, the amygdala responds immediately, and the neocortex needs a little time.

Lousy design by our creators.

This is why counting to 10 or taking a few deep breaths often helps and offers a different perspective.