If you saw our post from last week, you know we talked about the FIGHT or FLIGHT response, and I mentioned that there’s actually a 3rd option that we hear about less often — and that is to FREEZE.
It turns out that the research on FIGHT or FLIGHT was done in the 1930’s and the subjects were men 🙋🏽♂️. Fast forward to 2000 when a female Psychologist studied the stress response in women. It turns out women are more likely to respond to stress with social behavior, either befriending the enemy or looking for support from family or friends known as the “tend and mend” or “tend and befriend” response.
There’s a genetic difference between women and men that explains this response — when confronted with a threat women release oxytocin and endorphins (neurochemicals that relieve pain and make us feel good) instead of the norepinephrine and cortisol (which give you a surge of energy and focus your attention) that men experience.
Of course these processes are complex and variable depending on the situation and the physiological makeup of the individual, regardless of gender.
So over the next few days just pay a little more attention, and take note of how you respond to stress...and let me know what you discover about yourself!
Sending you a big hug and lots of love from ☀️ South Florida!
Comments