One of the most important points that we teach in our Vigilance Videos is understanding how your body is going to react when faced with fear! The kind of real fear that is created when you feel physically threatened and may be facing a life and death situation. Understanding the physiological effects of fear is the first step in conquering your fear, which subsequently will allow you to keep a clear focus so you can deal effectively with that particular dangerous situation. It is one of the first principles we were taught when learning to fly & fight in the military. You must continue to breathe deeply with a 4 second count and effectively slow down your heart rate. This oxygenates the brain so you can maintain your cognitive skills, which will allow you to clearly. In addition, once your heart rate begins to accelerate during a dangerous encounter, you have about 10-15 seconds where you are actually the fastest, strongest and most cognitive you will ever be! I call that the “Go Time”. However, once the heart rate races beyond 170 bpm, then the blood leaves the fore part of your brain and the effects on the Sympathetic Nervous System may keep you from thinking, screaming or even running away. In some cases, people have even have become incontinent, as they are paralyzed in fear.
Bottomline….seconds count when faced with a dangerous situation. Understanding your own body, and knowing that your best opportunity to escape and survive are usually in that first 10-15 seconds. Don’t let fear consume or control you! Be strong and realize, your loud voice and finding 5 seconds of space and separation , may be the difference between life and death!