The Amygdala Hijack

Have you ever felt stuck for the right words to say in a difficult conversation, only to realise what you should have said afterwards?

Or

Have you ever tried to think of the right thing to say in a job interview, but afterwards you remember the perfect answer that you wish you had said.

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?Your amygdala may have been hijacked.

The amygdala hijack is a well-known (or not so well-known) phenomenon that can impact our ability to communicate effectively, especially during difficult conversations or emotionally charged situations, such as a job interview.

What is the amygdala hijack?

The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure in the brain that plays a crucial role in processing emotions, especially fear and anxiety. It is part of the limbic system, which is involved in many aspects of emotion and motivation.

The amygdala hijack occurs when the amygdala takes over the brain’s decision-making process and triggers a “fight or flight” response, even in situations where there is no real threat. This can happen in response to a perceived threat, such as a difficult conversation, when the emotions are heightened.

When the amygdala hijacks the brain, it can be difficult to think clearly or act rationally. This can make it challenging to have productive conversations, especially when emotions are running high.

To avoid an amygdala hijack during a difficult conversation, it's essential to remail calm and focused. Some strategies that can help include:

1.????Take deep breaths and focus on your breathing

2.????Recognise your emotions

3.????Focus on your body, relax, sit relaxed

4.????Practice active listening and try to understand the other person’s perspective

5.????Use questions to activate the thinking part of your brain

6.????Use “I” Statements to express your feelings and avoid blaming or attacking the other person.

7.????Take breaks as needed to calm down and regain your composure.

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By being aware of the amygdala hijack and using these strategies, you can improve your ability to have difficult conversations and achieve positive outcomes. Try them out and see how they work for you.

Remember the other person may also be caught in the amygdala hijack so helping them relax will be key to having a productive conversation. Listening, recognising their emotions, and helping them relax will assist in the conversation going more smoothly.

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Do you have any other strategies to avoid an amygdala hijack?