How To Calm Your Brain During Conflict

HOW TO CALM YOUR BRAIN DURING CONFLICT arro CONFLICT IS INEVITABLE. It is impossible to agree with everyone all the time about everything. But that doesn't make the animosity or anger that arises as a result any more bearable. However it is possible to resolve conflict quickly, calmly and effectively. IUNDERSTANDING CONFLICT Conflict arises whenever two or more people disagree about their ideas, desires or values. While these differences can range from trivial to fundamental disagreements, they all stir up strong emotional feelings. However, conflict is more than just an emotional reaction - it's a physiological response. You have two amygdalae – one on each side of the brain behind the When a threat is perceived, your eyes and the optical nerves amygdalae send signals to your brain to release adrenaline and cortisol into your system These hormones gear your body up for 'fight or flight' You may notice immediate physical changes – increased heart rate and sweaty palms Because the active amygdalae shut down the neural pathway to your prefrontal cortex, you become disoriented in heated conversations These responses are designed to compel you to take action to avoid danger; however they also prevent you from making complex decisions or seeing things from another person's perspective. KEEPING YOUR COOL WHEN FACED WITH CONFLICT Here are 6 mindful approaches to use when you find yourself on the cusp of a conflict. TAKE DEEP BREATHS HOW: The capacity to remain relaxed and focused in tense Smooth, rhythmic situations is a vital aspect of breathing will stop the production of conflict resolution, and one of the best ways to quickly the cortisol and relieve stress is to practice adrenaline. deep breathing. 2 FOCUS ON YOUR BODY Concentrate on the physical HOW: sensations that arise in your Appearing open body in order to begin to through your body mindfully change them. language will help Actively neutralize your diffuse confrontation. posture, relax your shoulders and open your hands. 3. ACTIVELY LISTEN HOW: The only way to really settle Truly listening to disputes is to listen carefully someone will help to what is being said. If you diffuse their anger and are only paying attention in order to retaliate, then you allow you to really understand the aren't really listening at all. problem. 4 ASK QUESTIONS HOW: Use open-ended questions to avoid making the other person This questioning style lets them know you want defensive. If you want to avoid to be able to figure out argumentative responses, it is some facts in order to best to ask questions that invite reach a solution. them to speak honestly. CONSCIOUSLY LOWER YOUR VOICE HOW: Although it's often tempting to raise your voice, shouting will Lowering your voice will automatically only make you – and the other person – angrier. Additionally, when a person's heartbeat exceeds 100 BMP, they're instill a sense of calm. unable to fully understand what's being said. 6 LET GO HOW: If you aren't able to reach Because it takes two an agreement, be willing to people to keep an agree to disagree. If a conflict is going nowhere, argument going, you will do better to exit you can choose to the confrontation if a disengage and move on. resolution cannot be reached. Of course, not every confrontation can or will end positively. But, by following these techniques, you'll be able to deal with conflict rather than avoid it, and all without losing your head. SOURCES Berman, L. J. (2008). 13 tools for resolving conflict in the workplace, with customers and in life. mediate.com Burkeman, O. (2012). This column will change your life: staying calm. theguardian.com Caprino, K. (2013). 5 critical steps to fearless confrontation. forbes.com EDCC. (2015). Conflict resolution skills. edcc.edu Hamilton, D. M. (2015). Calming your brain during conflict. hbr.org Helpguide. (2015) Conflict resolution skills. helpguide.org Salmansohn, K. (2009). 10 tips for not being a jerk during conflict. psychologytoday.com Spruill, H. (2014). How you can stay calm in difficult situations. time.com Watkins, A. (2013). Coherence: the secret science of brilliant leadership. scribd.com This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License - www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 CashNetUSA. Money's on the way BY SA