<2> Managing Conflict-Induced Stress: Strategies for Resilience
<3> Understanding the Role of the Nervous System in Conflict
When we find ourselves in the midst of a heated argument or disagreement, our nervous system can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to feelings of anxiety, fear, and even physical shutdown. This is because our body’s “fight or flight” response is triggered, causing a surge of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to flood our system. If we’re not equipped with effective coping mechanisms, this stress can quickly become too much to handle, causing us to shut down and become unresponsive.
<3> The Impact of Stress on the Body
When we experience chronic stress, our body’s physiological response can lead to a range of negative effects, including:
* Increased heart rate and blood pressure
* Rapid breathing and shallow breathing
* Tense muscles and aching joints
* Digestive problems and nausea
* Fatigue and decreased energy levels