notes on freedom
A weekly email series containing easily digestible morsels of info on relational trauma and how to find freedom from it.
THIS WEEK IT’S A NOTE ON…emergency mode
Trauma puts us in emergency mode and leaves us there. There is no emergency anymore, but we relate to the world as if there is.
Our ways of thinking, behaving, coping, relating, moving and even seeing, keep us in the emergency energy of fight-flight.
The speed at which we move is a central to keeping us activated and in emergency-mode. There are complex reasons we move so fast mentally and physically. It helps us cope by avoiding uncomfortable sensations and emotions. It’s how we’re programmed.
To begin to heal your nervous system and move out of emergency mode you need to move into parasympathetic rest and digest whenever and however you can.
Take breaks during the day. Sit or lie down. Get off the hamster wheel for a while. Even just two minutes every hour or so to exhale, let go and stop all the ‘doing’ will help your system. Give yourself permission to move slowly and more consciously. Take your time as you shower, as you walk, as you cook, as you work, as you wrap presents.
Remind yourself, as often as you need to, that:
“there’s no emergency – it’s safe for me to let go.”
Freedom comes as we give ourselves permission to move out of emergency mode. This is especially important at busy times. Health, well-being, connection and being present matter so much more than how neat the Christmas tree is.
If you’ve enjoyed this note on emergency mode and want more, subscribe here.
PLEASE SHARE if you think someone you know will benefit from reading
Sarah Woodhouse is a trauma expert, research psychologist and writer who delivers people the knowledge and tools to recognise and overcome self-defeating cycles, to achieve personal freedom and success. Please follow her on Instagram, Facebook or X for all the latest updates.
