The flight response doesn’t always mean physically running away; instead, it often shows up in the need to mentally check out, avoid challenging conversations, or keep ourselves “too busy” to pause and reflect and be present with the REALLY uncomfortable stuff.
Reactivity is a survival mechanism. When we react, it’s because our nervous system perceives a threat, even if it’s not an immediate physical danger. Reactivity is fast, automatic, and exaggerated—our bodies are primed to act quickly to avoid harm.