You may have frequently heard the phrase “fight or flight”. It was first used in the 1920’s by American physiologist Walter Cannon. It relates to the physiological and psychological reaction we experience when we are in the presence of something that is mentally or physically terrifying.
When faced with conflict or stressful situations, if we feel we are under attack our body will adopt the “fight-flight-freeze” phase. This is where the brain releases cortisol and adrenaline into our body and we react one of three ways:
Fight If we think we are likely to “win the battle” then we will face up to our opponent. In the workplace this may manifest itself in terms of confrontation or arguments. In very extreme cases this may also lead to violence.
Flight If we fear our opponent we are more likely to take ourselves away from the situation to avoid any further harm. Usually this will be displayed by walking away and not engaging in any hostility.
Freeze In some situations anxiety may take over such that we don’t feel we can fight or leave, so we simply freeze. This may also happen in other ways e.g. when under extreme pressure mind goes blank.
Maybe you can recognise situations where you have found yourself adopting one or more of the above states?
