“While I was being mugged, I was obsessing over the hurtful comment my boss said to me that day.” Said nobody ever.

Why not? When we are in danger, the brain turns off all brain function unnecessary for survival and turns on survival mode, in which all brain resources are focused on staying alive.

The boss’s comment is not a life or death issue and therefore, it’s impossible to think about while being mugged. The brain is focused on survival.

There’s a way to hack your brain and use this to gain instant control.

If you are in a mental loop of anxiety, self doubt, anger, or any other unpleasant thought or emotion and can’t climb out, this will instantly shift you out of it and reset your nervous system.

Take a breath in and hold it. Keep holding it and let the pressure build. When you must, breathe out. Your brain, body, and nervous system will be completely reset and you will have complete control over what you think, say or do next.

The reason this works is because even though you are safe, the oxygen deprivation causes your brain and body to shift out of the DMN ( Default Mode Network, where most of our stress resides) into survival mode… in a good way! It’s like hitting the emergency brakes on your brain. Your brain will instantly shift out of the worrying or anger. It can’t do that while in survival mode.

After you do the breath hold and release it, you will be completely calm and now you have a choice: Go back to the worry and anger, or live your life.

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Chaim Moshe Steinmetz LISW is a psychotherapist in private practice and provides in person and telehealth therapy for a variety of issues. Visit Chaimmoshesteinmetz.com to get “Master Stress in one Minute”, a free guide with 3 easy, science based techniques to rapidly restore calm and confidence in less than one minute!