Re-wiring the fight or flight

Have you ever heard the expression, "I'm just wired that way?"

In my experience, some people may use that expression to excuse their poor behavior.

Human behavior is thought to be shaped by prior experiences as well as genetic influences. When we are born, we have no experience of any trauma, heartache, or betrayal. All of us at some point in life go through something that may cause a change in wiring. The way we think, the way we feel, the way we love, the way we trust (or don't).

In my time of self-reflection, I have noticed that I have spent the majority of my adulthood in flight or flight mode. What is the fight or flight mode? Cambridge dictionary defines flight or flight as "[...] the reaction that people have to a dangerous situation, that makes them either stay and deal with it, or run away". When I turned 18, I immediately went to college and began my pre-medical studies. The majority of that time was spent anticipating the MCAT (medical colleges admissions test) which is crucial for getting into medical school. After that was completed, medical school required a series of board exams that were on average 8-9 hours long. Step 1, Step 2 CS, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. At the end of residency, the family medicine board exam was required for certification in family medicine. Medical students show twice the level of anxiety compared to the general population. Med students generally take dedicated time to study for their first board exam. This study time is often described as one of the most psychologically stressful periods in medical training. It is often described as severe and debilitating. I completed med school in 2020. I say all that to say that during my time of self reflection after finishing residency, I had to remind myself of the level of stress I had just put myself through. I spent 11 years in training to get to where I am now. Throughout that time I have been trained to prepare for the worst possible scenario. What is the problem and how do we fix it?

When you're in fight or flight mode, your body is preparing to face a dangerous and threatening situation.

It is not easy to come out of a stage of life where you were constantly on edge. For most it's not med school. For some it may be an abusive relationship. For some it may be a toxic work environment. Whatever it is, taking yourself out of fight or flight mode is not easy. There is a time and place for everything, however we were not meant to be in a heightened state of anxiety for a long period of time. The truth is, God Calls us to live in peace. God wants us to rest. Trust me, I know it's not easy. The only way I was able to "switch gears" and allow my mind to rest was by fully surrendering to God.

What do you do to get yourself out of fight or flight mode?

1. Meditate on God's Word

This will allow you to renew your mind. God can take a heart filled with chaos and fill it with peace. God can take your anxious thoughts and give you thoughts anchored in God's love.

Philippians 4:8 says

[8] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Why should you meditate on God's word? All scripture is inspired by God. God is its ultimate source. It is true and it never fails. NEVER. 

People will fail you. Drugs will fail you. Money will fail you. Fame will fail you. All of these things will let you down but the Word of God is the same yesterday today and forever 🙌🏾 

 2. Pray without ceasing 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer is communication with God. It shows our dependence on God and allows him to speak to us. It allows us to be more aware of His presence in our everyday lives. 

3. Affirmations 

If you struggle with anxious thoughts, this will help. This is something I started doing years ago and it has helped me in renewing my mind and rewiring my brain. After you meditate on scripture, write it down and turn it into an affirmation. 

Example:

Psalms 34:10 NKJV

[10] The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Affirmation: I will NOT lack any good thing. 

I will leave you with this scripture.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

~AR