INSIDE OKDHS, SELF-CARE: REPTILIAN BRAIN

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When we respond to the cues of our reptilian brain, we're basing our decisions on instinct. This fight of flight center of the mind sets us up to predict disastrous outcomes that may have no basis in reality. In tense situations, questioning your reptile impulses can help you to see what is an imminent threat and what is not. All you have to ask is: "Is this real or not real?" 

Imagine you're driving to work. You have a good chance of arriving right on time but a traffic jam holds you up. You're flooded with frustration and anger as the driver in front of you creeps slowly, talking on the phone. Now, you think, "I'm going to be late and I hate to make excuses!" Your supervisor is going to see you come in and assume you don't care and there's a meeting first thing. You'll be rushed and have to walk in running behind and your presentation will be ruined! 

Now, ask yourself: "Is this real or not real?" Can you be certain of this outcome? Of course not! But, if you buy into this story, you will be behaving as frenzied as if it were true. 

Now imagine this story: during your lunch break you send a text to your beloved. No answer by the time you finish your meal. The day passes with no response as you check again and again. You send off another witty retort - still nothing. Your reptilian brain jumps on and suddenly you think, "How dare you not answer me? How rude!" Then you worry maybe you said something wrong and obsessively read all your past exchanges. You are certain trouble looms - either a break-up or a breakdown. 

Here's the question: "Is it real or not real?" Can you think of a way this could not be true - a turned-off phone, a busy day - that could be preventing a response? Are you just storytelling? If you'd like some help getting to the bottom of the story, the Employee Assistance Program offers up to six professional, cost-free, confidential visits a year. 

No Audio: Employee Assistance Program, Human Resources Management Division.  Laree Reidenbaugh 405.522.6005  Rick Combs 405.522.8591

Contact the Human Resources Management Division for details. Questioning reactive thoughts puts you in the place of the observer, separate from the panicked version of yourself. Knowing what is reasonable to expect, not an emotionally charged fantasy, keeps you calmer and kinder to yourself  - two of the strongest self-care cures. Take time to take care. 

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