We are born with an innate instinct for self preservation. We become adults with the ability to assess threats to our physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual safety, and can react accordingly. Unfortunately, we can become conditioned to ignore our instinctual "red flags" that warn us of danger. Sometimes, this occurs when we are in a chronically chaotic or abusive situation, and don't have the option, or feel we have the option to leave the situation. Unfortunately, suppressing the instinctual response and harboring the stress hormones without release can lead to emotional upset and physical ills. Here are 3 steps to reinstating your red flag system:
1. Take care of yourself physically. It is important to give your body the fuel it needs to operate optimally and to relieve some of the stresses it has been under. Eat healthy meals, and avoid highly processed foods and refined sugars. Take vitamins and supplements as needed. A food based multivitamin, calcium if you don't eat a lot of calcium rich foods, and fish oil are a good start. Be sure you are exercising regularly. A cardiovascular focused regimen will give you the benefit of endorphins and increase your physical fitness, as well as help to release some of your physical and emotional stress.
2. Begin to get in touch with your physical responses to the things that happen to you. If someone is rude to you, note your physical reaction to the stimulus. Feel the discomfort, tightness in your shoulders, sinking in the pit of your stomach - begin to become aware of how your body reacts when something bad, or something good, happens to you.
3. Apply this conscious awareness to the relationships in your life. As you interact with others, feel how your body reacts to the way they speak to you and treat you. Start mentally making the break away from the negative persons in your life, and move toward the people who give you physical responses of relaxation, inspiration, and encouragement.
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