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HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

2 parts to the brain: upstairs (thinking) brain versus downstairs (survival) brain

Picture a brain like a house. Upstairs brain is more complex. Thinking, imagining, planning – these things come from the upstairs brain. We use the upstairs brain to think critically, problem solve, and make good decisions. What brain are we expected to use at school?

Downstair brain: basic functions like breathing and strong emotions reactions to danger, like fight, flight or freeze. We do these without thinking about it. When you are stressed, you are in your downstairs brain.

Important to note, the upstairs brain is not fully formed until around 25!

When downstairs brain is activated, UPSTAIRS BRAIN IS NOT WORKING! How would you respond if someone asked you what you were doing in the forest in the first place when you ran into the bear? Not able to think logically.

Once back in upstairs brain, and safe, you will be able to answer the question. �

Ask: What would you do if you saw a bear?

Responses: Flight (run away) or fight, lastly freeze

Whether we flee or fight happens subconsciously- the fight or flight response is our body’s built in safety system

Can occur due to physical threat- or a psychological threat- such as a presentation, interview

Feel heartbeat increase, may be hot, may feel sick

Sometimes our fight or flight response may be triggered in the face of a perceived threat

Have you ever been asked what were you thinking? Downstairs brain

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What brings us upstairs?