Which bioresponse are you

A game you can play almost anywhere by yourself

Photo by Chris Sabor on Unsplash

NOTE: Before we play the game, we must learn and understand the rules.
This is similar if not the same as a fight or flight responses, except there are more responses.

What are Bioresponses?

A bioresponse is your brains automatic response when dealing with a potentially a dangerous situation.

Think of a time when a colleague or even a friend confronted you with a mistake or situation you have caused and you’re at fault. Your reaction was probably one of the four below.

1. Fight: You fought with your colleague or friend. Likely making the situation worse
2. Flight: You fled the scene before or during the confrontation.
3. Freeze: You froze, didn’t have much of a rebuttal, nor did you do anything to better the situation
4. Appease: You gave into the situation, sacrificing everything, even when you weren’t wrong.

Back to the game

When this pandemic is over, or when you’re in a zoom call, take notice of these situation within others and especially yourself. Learn from the mistakes others make when in these situations to better yourself.
If you’ve gotten yourself in these situations it’s best to stop, take a breath, evaluate, and process the situation appropriately.

Here are some other situations where this game can be applied to

• While driving (get cut off by anyone lately?)
• While waiting in a long line (queuing)
• During a physically strenuous activity

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

The science behind bioresponses

Typically, when you automatically respond with a bioresponse, your amygdala is primarily used for the response. With centuries of evolution, our brains have evolved to handle dangerous situation quickly. The issue, centuries ago, when we were hunters and gatherers, we would need to respond to a physical danger. However, our brain responds the same way when we are in emotional or social situations.

This is why we have to stop, evaluate, and respond appropriately; regardless of the situation we are in. Because, taking things slowly especially when in non-physical and difficult situations, can almost always produce better results.