Are You Quick To React? – Stimuli & Reaction Time

Are you quick to respond?  In times of danger or emergency, a quick reaction time can be a good thing, but does everything justify an immediate response?  Stimuli or events that create emotion or personal triggers deserve more time before choice of reaction.  How can you create more space and time between stimuli and response?

 

This space can be cultivated by slowing down.  By making time to energetically step back, observe, notice and maybe even take a deep mindful breath, more thoughtful space is available.  One guarantee in life is change will happen with good times and challenging times taking place.  When I prioritize my “me” time consistently, I am ready for whatever comes my way.  “Me” time can look different for each of us.  Brushing my teeth morning and night is non-negotiable and so is my “me” time.  “Me” time keeps me grounded and able to thoughtfully and mindfully create space between events in my life and my choice of reaction.

 

When your friend, boss, or partner says or does something that is hurtful, how immediate is your response?  Could that person be having a bad day or is it truly something you said or did?  What is the space between that stimuli or event and your response time?  I recently had a serious life crisis with a loved one and it took all I had in me to be carefully thoughtful and not too quick to react and take control.  I needed to offer a supportive role and not seize control. I was able to stay focused and journey through the crisis one step at a time with care and encouragement.  My “me” time prepared me for an unforeseen event and thankfully I had the inner space to mindfully react.  This may sound unfamiliar and uncomfortable.  It takes practice and can happen in anyone’s life.

 

What can you do for “me” time to support creating space between stimuli and your response time?  Here are a few things to consider for your life:

• Be active! Did you know that exercising and moving your body exercises your brain?  Movement keeps your nervous system resilient and supports clear communication in your mind and body.  I prioritize time daily for yoga, a long walk, and/or Pilates.  Just as brushing my teeth is non-negotiable so is active, physical movement.  Carve out non-negotiable time to move.
• Eat nutritious food. REAL FOOD is MEDICINE! I want to see my life through a lens of robust health and an effective mind.  Clean nutrition promotes my mind and eye health.  Schedule time to eat clean by planning and visiting a local farmer’s market, cook from scratch, and eliminate processed food, sugar, and anything that you cannot pronounce.
• Yes, sleep! My body needs seven to eight hours of sleep per night.  Sleep allows me to process and store my day’s happenings.  Sleep supports my brain in becoming more proficient with understanding and predicting outcomes while supporting how fast I react to stimuli.  Create time to get sufficient sleep in a calm, peaceful environment.
• Drink clean water! My brain is 75-80% water so even 2% dehydration matters.  Dehydration causes my brain to shrink and affects my ability to process, predict and react.  My general rule of thumb is:  consume half my weight in ounces of clean (filtered) water.  If I practice a hot yoga class, I will double that as well as a healthy replenishment of electrolytes.  Make time to drink water and replenish your body as needed based on activity.

 

I encourage you to make “me” time a daily habit, non-negotiable, and a priority in your life.  Make this your lifestyle so you can support your brain health and cognitive sharpness.  You deserve time and space between life’s stimuli/events and your choice of how to respond with quality.  “Only you can take care of you” supports your existence.  When you consistently make yourself a priority in your life, you are ready for what the universe gives you.  Quality before quickness!

 

Health & happiness,