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Stress: What Happens to Your Brain and Body (And How to Stay Grounded) 

Have you ever felt hijacked by your emotions in the middle of a family conflict—and later wondered, “Why did I react that way?” In this episode, Tina Gosney breaks down the powerful brain and body science behind your stress response. You’ll learn what happens when your nervous system senses danger, why it’s so hard to stay calm in high-conflict situations, and how to ground yourself when you feel emotionally flooded.

Discover the truth behind fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, what it means to experience an “amygdala hijack,” and how you can shift from reactivity to resilience with a few simple tools. This episode will help you normalize your stress response, reduce shame, and take your power back in emotionally charged family moments.

Episode Outline

Understanding the Stress Response
Tina explains how your nervous system responds to emotional threats the same way it does to physical danger, often without your awareness.

Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn: What They Look Like in Families
Learn how these stress responses show up in real life—especially during arguments, boundary violations, and family gatherings.

The Amygdala Hijack: Why You Can’t Think Clearly When You’re Triggered
Explore how your brain shifts from logical to reactive and what that means for your behavior in high-stakes moments.

Stress in the Body: Cortisol, Adrenaline, and Physical Symptoms
Understand the physical side effects of stress and why it’s not “all in your head.”

Tools to Calm Your Nervous System
Get 5 simple, science-backed tools to help you re-regulate your body and re-engage your thinking brain.

Related Episodes & Additional Resources

“When It Comes Out of Nowhere: Responding to Unexpected Family Hurt” – Learn how to handle emotional “gut punch” moments and move through pain without spiraling.

Download the Free Guide:
 “The 3-Step Solution to Keeping Your Cool Around Family Holiday Drama”
 Holidays can stir up old patterns and emotions—this guide will help you stay grounded and respond with grace.

Grab your copy here: DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Ready to learn how to manage your emotional reactions? Calm Core is your guide:

Being able to manage your emotional reactions to others is a vital step in repairing family relationships

CLICK HERE TO SEE CALM CORE

Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs.
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Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach.
Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.