Changing your Reaction to Stressful Situations
Have you ever heard this saying?
“If it’s hysterical, it’s historical.”
Although the word “hysterical” is rooted in patriarchal subjugation, this phrase is catchy and gets the point across. This phrase is deeply related to the concept of implicit memory, particularly in the context of emotional reactions and stress responses.
What is implicit memory?
Implicit memory refers to unconscious memories that influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without conscious awareness. Unlike explicit memory (e.g., recalling specific events), implicit memory operates beneath the surface, shaping automatic responses, habits, and emotional reactions. It includes procedural memory (e.g., riding a bike) and emotional memory (e.g., feeling tense in certain situations without knowing why).
Implicit Memory and Emotional Reactivity
Implicit memories often stem from early experiences, especially those tied to intense emotions or trauma. These memories are stored in the unconscious mind and can influence behavior and feelings without conscious awareness. When triggered by a present-day situation that resembles a past event (even slightly), the brain activates an automatic stress or emotional response, often out of proportion to the current context.
How It Happens
1. Triggering a Stored Memory:
When something in the present reminds the nervous system of a past event (e.g., a tone of voice, a facial expression, or a situation), implicit memories are activated. These memories carry the emotional charge of the original experience.
2. Overreaction:
Since implicit memories bypass conscious reasoning, the current situation feels more threatening or upsetting than it objectively is. The body and mind react as if the past experience is happening again.
3. Fight, Flight, Freeze:
The stress response may escalate quickly, leading to heightened emotions like fear, anger, or sadness, which can feel overwhelming.
How Implicit Memory Relates to Stress Responses
Implicit memory plays a crucial role in how we respond to stress. When we encounter situations that resemble past stressful or traumatic experiences, our brain can trigger automatic responses based on stored implicit memories, even if we’re unaware of the connection.
• The Role of the Amygdala: The amygdala, a key brain region involved in emotional processing, often encodes these implicit memories, particularly in highly stressful or traumatic situations. It prioritizes survival, meaning past threats can prime the body to react similarly in the future.
• Stress Triggers: Implicit memories can lead to a heightened stress response, such as fight, flight, or freeze, even when there’s no real threat. For example, someone might feel anxious in a crowded room due to a forgotten past experience of being overwhelmed in similar settings.
• Emotional and Somatic Responses: Implicit memories often manifest through bodily sensations (e.g., a racing heart, tight chest) or emotions (e.g., fear, anger) without a clear conscious explanation.
What to Do About It
Addressing implicit memory involves creating awareness, building resilience, and fostering a sense of safety. Here are strategies to help:
1. Mindfulness and Awareness
• Learn to recognize your reactions. When a reaction feels intense or unmanageable, pause and reflect: “What might this be reminding me of?”
• Practice mindfulness to observe thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Over time, this helps you notice patterns and triggers connected to implicit memory.
• Grounding techniques (e.g., focusing on your breath or senses) can help regulate the nervous system when triggered.
2. Body-Based Practices
• Somatic Experiencing: A therapeutic approach to process and release trauma stored in the body. It emphasizes reconnecting with bodily sensations to resolve stuck stress responses.
• Breathwork: Techniques like deep diaphragmatic breathing or rhythmic breathing can calm the nervous system and reduce stress responses. Use grounding techniques like deep breathing or engaging the senses to remind your body that you are safe in the present. Check out my Breathwork + Sound Bath events of book your own session.
• Movement: Practices like yoga, tai chi, or dance can help release stored tension and foster a sense of safety. To develop a consistent practice, check out my free offerings on YouTube or join The Healing Energy Collective.
3. Mindset Shifts
• Thought Repatterning: Be aware of your thoughts and challenge different thinking patterns that may be influencing how you feel. This can be done through a daily mindfulness practice, working with affirmations or Yoga Nidra.
4. Self-Compassion and Safety
• Cultivate self-compassion to counter feelings of self-criticism or shame that may arise from implicit memory responses.
• Create rituals, routines, and environments that promote a sense of safety and calm.
5. Sound Healing and Resonance
• Sound healing uses specific frequencies to entrain the mind towards deeper states of relaxation. From this cocoon of safety, you’ll be able to explore your subconscious mind and float through the awareness of your mind to develop a deeper connection to yourself, nourish your cup, and show up for yourself and others in a more embodied way. Sound baths can help soothe the nervous system and facilitate the release of deeply held emotional tension tied to implicit memories. To discover more, book a sound healing session and learn more.
By combining awareness, body-based practices, and professional support, it’s possible to address the impact of implicit memories on stress responses and develop healthier, more adaptive ways of relating to the world.