Introducing your mind body processing channels
Have you ever noticed how your mood shifts throughout the day depending on your interactions, expectations, or challenges?
Your mind-body channels play a significant role in these fluctuations, influencing your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and overall health.
Understanding these channels—particularly the Stress Reflex Channels and the Relaxation Responding Channel opens up a range of stress management techniques allowing you to access a calmer, more balanced state of mind.
The stress reflex channels
When you encounter a perceived threat, your Stress Reflex Channels automatically activate. These channels are governed by stress hormones such as adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol. Often referred to as “Loud Hormones,” they drive rapid decision-making for survival. While this response is life-saving in genuine emergencies, it can disrupt your mood, relationships, and well-being when triggered unnecessarily.
Key stress reflex channels
Fight (anger/rage): This channel prompts confrontational thoughts and actions.
Flight (anxiety/panic): This channel urges you to escape or avoid perceived danger.
Freeze (shutdown): This channel causes mental and physical paralysis, making it hard to act or think clearly.
These reflexive reactions can take over even when you are not in immediate danger, leaving you feeling stuck in a state of heightened stress. If prolonged, this reactivity can negatively impact your mental and physical health.
The relaxation responding channel: your Preference Channel
In contrast to the Stress Reflex Channels, the Relaxation Responding Channel—what I call the Preference Channel—allows you to process stressors calmly and thoughtfully. Governed by relaxation hormones like serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine, this channel enables you to make decisions based on your personal preferences rather than fear or urgency.
When operating in the Preference Channel, you experience:
Improved decision-making: Choices are guided by long-term goals and overall well-being.
Creative and playful thinking: Memory, intelligence, curiosity, and humor thrive.
Emotional resilience: Feelings of gratitude, acceptance, and joy become accessible.
Engaged living: Participation in hobbies, physical activities, and social connections increases.
How to transition from stress reflex to preference
Switching from the Stress Reflex Channels to the Preference Channel requires deliberate effort and daily relaxation practices. Relaxation serves as the “access key” to your calmer, more authentic self. Here’s how to make the transition:
Recognize the stress reflex:
Pay attention to signs of fight, flight, or freeze responses, such as rapid breathing, muscle tension, or racing thoughts.
Practice relaxation daily:
Incorporate activities like deep breathing, yoga, music, or bubble baths into your routine for 5-30 minutes per day.
Engage in playful activities:
Activities that bring you joy and laughter help sustain relaxation hormones, reinforcing your ability to stay in the Preference Channel.
Build awareness:
Monitor your mood and body’s responses throughout the day. This awareness helps you identify when you’ve shifted into a Stress Reflex Channel and need to reset.
The importance of daily relaxation
While anyone can relax during peaceful times, learning to relax under pressure takes practice. Consistent relaxation exercises strengthen your ability to exit the Stress Reflex Channels and stay in the Preference Channel, even during challenging situations. This practice allows you to:
Regain control over your thoughts and actions.
Experience your unique self, free from reactive stress.
Navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.
Moving forward
Your mind-body channels significantly impact your ability to manage stress and embrace relaxation. By practicing daily relaxation techniques and nurturing your Preference Channel, you can shift from reactive stress to thoughtful calm. Start small—five minutes of relaxation at a time—and watch as your capacity for joy, creativity, and resilience grows.
Explore our guided relaxation exercises and tools to deepen your practice and unlock the full potential of your Preference Channel. Begin your journey to improved well-being today.