In episode five of Brainwise: Our Lives Decoded, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon delve into the first of the five driving forces of the brain: protection. They discuss personal life updates, including Cole’s kitchen remodel and preparations for a professional transition, and introduce the concept of allostatic load. The episode explores the myriad ways in which the brain’s need for protection impacts behaviors, both consciously and unconsciously, in professional and personal contexts. Key topics include the Ladder of Inference, psychological safety, the fight-flight-freeze response, the influence of early life experiences, and practical strategies for managing reactions to perceived threats. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and consider actionable steps to build a safer environment for themselves and others.

Key BrainWise Tips and Major Takeaways

1. Non-Conscious Protection Drive: Many of our protective behaviors are non-conscious reactions aimed at ensuring our survival. Recognizing these automatic responses helps manage them better.
2. Allostatic Load: This term describes the cumulative burden of stress and life events. Being aware of your allostatic load can help you recognize when you're overwhelmed and in need of self-care.
3. Fight, Flight, Freeze, Tend and Befriend, Faint: These are our natural responses to threats. Understanding which is your default can help you manage reactions more effectively.
4. Cortisol's Impact: When stressed, our brains release cortisol, impairing functions like empathy and rational thinking. Recognizing a cortisol flush moment can guide you to pause and reassess.
5. Silence as a Tool: In conversations, silence can provide space for reflective processing, avoiding impulsively filling gaps and enhancing understanding.
6. Empathy to Signal Safety: Demonstrating empathy creates a psychological safe space. Validate feelings with clear, empathetic statements, avoiding transitional phrases that negate empathy.
7. Journal for Self-Awareness: Keeping a journal helps identify and reflect on protection patterns, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
8. Psychological Safety at Work: Teams that feel psychologically safe are more innovative and effective. Encourage open communication and express validation to foster a secure environment.
9. Trust Building: Trust is crucial for safety in relationships. Start with a full trust bucket, address breaches through honest discussion, and prioritize keeping communication open.
10. Present Moment Awareness: When triggered, grounding yourself in the present moment helps reduce unnecessary protective behaviors by realizing the immediate environment's safety.