Explain why it is important to be aware of your bio-reactions.

Task 1: Observing Bio-Reactions

Introduction:

Bio-reactions (fight, flight, freeze, or appease) include quick responses to stimuli that are dangerous and fearful experiences. Bio-reactions help the brain reinforce certain pathways. Some pathways associate that past reaction with other similar events. This is one way to learn. The fear response may be associated with other nonfearful events. Because the brain is so good at making these associations, we aren’t even aware of the miscue.

Bio-reactions are automatic. In most cases they are not under your control, such as when you automatically close your eyes when something flies at your face. In other cases, you can have more control over your reaction. To be in control of these responses, the first step is to become aware of when you are experiencing a bio-reaction. To be aware of your bio-reactions, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
•   What caused the bio-reaction?

•   What was happening in the environment around you?

•   What emotions did you feel?

•   How did your body react?

•   What, if anything, did you do differently when you noticed you were having a bio-reaction?

•   Why is it important for you to be aware of your bio-reaction

A.  Describe three situations where you have experienced a bio-reaction.

1.  Identify which bio-reaction (fight, flight, freeze, or appease) you were experiencing in each situation from part A.

2.  Describe what was happening in the environment around you during each of the identified bio-reactions.

3.  Describe how your body reacted and what emotions you felt during each of the identified bio-reactions.

4.  Explain why it is important to be aware of your bio-reactions.