Working with the fight & flight response

“The clock is ticking”
“Time is pressing”

Do you say these expressions out loud ?
Or do you have these types of thoughts often?

A constant sense of urgency is a common reaction to life when a system is so used to be in fight/flight mode (hyperarousal).

The simple habit of monitoring your thoughts can give you a good indication of where your nervous system is at.

Racing thoughts, sense of urgency, “the world is against me” is a clear indication that your nervous system is “stuck” in fight or flight.
Fight and flight is a “I must do NOW” state.

When in this state, your body is perceiving imminent danger and getting prepared to fight or flee.

When you notice yourself in this response, instead of battling your thoughts, which in turn would increase the same types of urgent thoughts and feelings.
Choose to bring your nervous system into a state of regulation.

As soon as you perceive the fight/flight response out of context (i.e. when there is no real danger around), for the next 10-15 minutes choose a different activity that could bring you back to a state of ease.

But bear in mind that fight/flight is a strong state of agitation. So trying to force yourself to calm down with activities such as meditation won’t work. Instead, try to include something with movement, such as going for a walk, a run, or any other activity that include moving your body.