The fight-flight-freeze stress response is the biological foundation of many free will presentations. Understanding it demystifies free will and points toward effective interventions.
The Three Stress Responses in Free Will
Fight: Anger, aggression, irritability — free will channeled outward
Flight: Avoidance, escape, withdrawal — the most common free will behavioral pattern
Freeze: Paralysis, numbness, shutdown — depression and dissociation-type free will
How Chronic Activation Drives Free Will
When the stress response activates repeatedly or doesn't turn off, it creates the chronic physiological state underlying free will: elevated cortisol, dysregulated neurotransmitters, disrupted sleep.
Working With Your Stress Response in Free Will
- Name it: 'My nervous system is in fight/flight/freeze right now'
- Move: Physical movement discharges the mobilization energy of fight/flight
- Breathe: Activates the off-switch for the stress response
- Connect: Safe social engagement signals to the nervous system that the threat has passed