Why self-care matters

We switch between three systems to manage our emotions. Many people spend much of their lives flitting between threat and drive with little time to soothe.

THREAT
our fight or fight response, it has a “better safe than sorry” policy - it is activated readily even when not needed
> you produce adrenaline > you feel on guard

DRIVE
the buzz you get from ticking things off, achieving goals, working hard and getting sh*t done (and likes on insta)
> you produce dopamine > you feel fired up, can be addictive

SOOTHE
our brains rest and digest mode, activated by slowing down and taking time out doing something that feels good, it calms the other 2 systems
> you produce oxytocin > you feel relaxed, maybe even loved up

IF YOU ARE STRESSED OR DISTRESSED YOU ARE PROBABLY SPENDING TOO LITTLE TIME IN SOOTHE MODE.

How much time do you spend in each of these circles? What activates them for you? How can you get a better balance between them? What could you do more of to calm your system?

* from the work of psychologist Professor Paul Gilbert