Cook's Cookbook: What is Your Stress Response?

Cook's Cookbook

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What Is Your Stress Response?

FIGHT. FLY. FREEZE. FAWN.

These subconscious responses prepare us to face, escape, or hide from danger. While these primal reactions were designed to protect us, in the workplace, they can sometimes create more problems than they solve. The instinct to “fight” causes arguments, the urge to “fly” leaves us with unresolved issues, “freezing” during a meeting makes us appear incompetent, and “fawning” can result in unsolicited persuasion. Understanding these responses is crucial for managing stress.

FIGHT

Many predators, such as lions, exhibit a “fight” response when threatened. They confront the danger head-on to protect themselves or their territory. Humans who tend to exhibit a “fight” response are often assertive and confrontational. They may thrive in competitive environments and are quick to defend themselves or their ideas in conflicts. While assertiveness can be valuable in leadership roles or negotiations, an excessive “fight” response can lead to aggression, conflict, and difficulty collaborating with others.

Individuals with a “fight” response

Assertive
They are often very assertive and do not hesitate to stand up for themselves.
Confrontational
They confront challenges head-on and are not afraid of conflict.
Quick to Anger
They may have a quick temper and easily become angry or aggressive.
Dominant
They tend to take charge in situations and prefer to be in control.
Defensive
They often react defensively to perceived threats or criticisms.
Competitive
They are highly competitive and strive to be the best.
Protective
They are fiercely protective of themselves and their loved ones.
Decisive
They make decisions quickly and firmly, often without second-guessing.
Unyielding
They can be stubborn and refuse to back down from their positions.

FREEZE

Some animals, like possums, instinctively freeze when they perceive a threat. This response can help them blend into their surroundings and avoid detection by predators. Humans exhibiting a “freeze” response may become immobilized or mentally stuck when faced with stress or danger. They may struggle to make decisions or take action, feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed by fear. In a professional setting, a frequent “freeze” response might manifest as indecisiveness, inability to innovate, or avoidance of responsibility, hindering productivity and progress.

Individuals with a “freeze” response

Immobile
They may feel paralyzed or unable to act in stressful situations.
Indecisive
They struggle to make decisions, often feeling stuck or unsure.
Passive
They may appear passive or detached, and avoid taking action.
Numb
They can feel emotionally numb or detached from their surroundings.
Disassociated
They might mentally “check out” or dissociate during stressful events.
Quiet
They tend to stay silent, even when they have something important to say.
Overwhelmed
They feel easily overwhelmed by stress or conflict.
Lacking Initiative
They often wait for others to take the lead or make decisions.
Avoidant of Responsibility
They might avoid taking on responsibilities to prevent stress.
Helpless
They may feel helpless or powerless to change their situation.

FLY

Prey animals like deer often resort to fleeing when faced with danger. Their instinct is to escape swiftly to avoid being caught by predators. People who lean towards a “fly” response may be prone to avoidance behavior in stressful situations. They may prefer to steer clear of conflicts or difficult conversations and seek to remove themselves from uncomfortable environments. While seeking to avoid conflict can sometimes be beneficial, a habitual “fly” response might lead to missed opportunities, lack of accountability, and avoidance of necessary challenges.

Individuals with a “fly” response

Avoidant
They often avoid difficult situations or conflicts.
Escape-Oriented
They seek to remove themselves from stressful or threatening environments.
Timid
They may appear shy or timid, especially in social situations.
Indecisive
They struggle to make decisions, often deferring to others.
Evasive
They may give vague answers or avoid direct confrontation.
Distrustful
They can be wary of others and their intentions.
Loners
They may prefer solitude or a small, trusted circle of friends.
Anxious
They often feel anxious in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations.
Hypervigilant
They are constantly on the lookout for potential threats.
Overwhelmed
They can easily feel overwhelmed by stress or responsibilities.