You probably already know your brain is divided into 2 hemispheres: left and right brain, each functioning very differently. But did you know there’s also an upstairs and downstairs brain?
Today, we want to introduce you to the downstairs brain. This part of the brain is responsible for our Stress Response Cycle, aka our Fight/Flight/Freeze response. This response is automatic and a natural process that has kept us alive for years!
How can we self-soothe when our stress response cycle is ignited?
By tapping into another function our downstairs brain is responsible for: our sensory memories. These are the memories we store via our senses: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch and Vestibular/movement.
What does engaging our senses look like? Try the following:
Drinking a glass of cold water (Taste)
Taking a walk (Sight/Movement)
Smelling essential oils or other comforting scents (Smell)
Hugging (Touch)
Fidget tools, slime or playdough (Touch)
When we engage these senses, we are soothing the same part of our brain that is ignited during Fight/Flight/Freeze.
What other ways can you engage your senses?
Written by: Elaine Raif, ASW#111237
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