#60 Do You Overreact Under Stress? Understanding Amygdala Hijack

#60 Do You Overreact Under Stress? Understanding Amygdala Hijack

Have you ever found yourself reacting to stress in a way that seems way over the top? Bonita Ackerman du Preez, the founder of The Trauma Recovery School, dives into this very topic in the episode "Do You Overreact Under Stress? Understanding Amygdala Hijack". Bonita, an award-winning trauma recovery therapist, shares her expertise on how our brains can sometimes go haywire, leading us to act impulsively and aggressively.

This is what she calls the 'amygdala hijack', where our primitive brain takes over and rational thought takes a back seat. It's like trying to swat a mosquito with a bazooka - completely disproportionate to the situation. Bonita uses real-life examples, including a tense moment at an airport, to illustrate how stress can trigger these extreme reactions. She explains how trauma from past experiences can set our amygdala on high alert, making us more prone to such responses.

It's not just about losing your temper; there are physical symptoms too, like increased heart rate and profuse sweating. But don't worry, Bonita offers hope and practical advice on how to manage these stress responses. If you're wondering why your body feels like it's on high alert all the time or why you react strongly to seemingly small stressors, this episode could provide some answers.

Bonita's insights might help you understand your own reactions better and offer strategies to calm your mind. So, if you're tired of feeling like you're constantly on edge, give this episode a listen. It might just be the key to unlocking a calmer you.