How To Deal With Fight Responses To Financial Stress

Signs You Have A Financial Fight Response

Ever feel the urge to roll up your sleeves and take control when money matters get dicey? That's the financial fight response kicking in. It's the drive to overachieve in your career for financial security, the need to outdo everyone else in financial matters, or maybe even a strong inclination to micromanage every penny. Think of it as gearing up for a financial showdown.

Here are the signs:

1.) Overachievement in Career for Financial Security

Ever feel the need to go above and beyond at work for that financial safety net? It's like aiming for career success at an intense level to ensure financial stability.

2.) Financial Competitiveness

Approaching financial situations with a bit of friendly competition? Financial competitiveness can be driven by a fear of financial inadequacy, spurring you to outperform others.

3.) Control Issues in Finances

Who doesn't want control over their finances? But seeking excessive control can be like gripping the reins too tight, driven by anxiety and the need for security.

4.) Aggressive Financial Communication

Money talks can get heated, right? Expressing yourself forcefully in financial discussions, especially during disagreements, is like letting out that pent-up financial frustration.

5.) Financial Self-Criticism

Ever look back at financial decisions and think, "I could've done better"? Financial self-criticism involves engaging in some pretty harsh self-evaluation when it comes to your money moves.

Take our Financial Block Assessment to see what blocks are keeping you from financial success so that you can design better suggestions.

How To Regulate A Financial Fight Response

To address the fight response using hypno-somatic techniques, the aim is to channel the energy of the fight response into positive assertiveness and controlled action. 

Here's a step-by-step guide for a simple exercise:

Relax in a quiet space, deep-breathe, and release muscle tension. Enter a hypnotic state, affirm, "I channel my energy into positive financial actions." Visualize controlled assertiveness, feel the empowered energy, and anchor it.

1. Find a Quiet Space:

• Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed. Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.

2. Deep Breathing:

• Begin with deep, slow breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on the sensation of your breath, allowing it to calm your nervous system.

3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR):

• Tense and then release different muscle groups, starting from your toes and moving up to your head. This helps release physical tension and prepares your body for the hypnotic suggestions.

4. Mindful Body Scan:

• Close your eyes and bring your attention to different parts of your body. Notice any areas where you may feel a buildup of energy or tension associated with the fight response. Breathe into those areas, allowing the tension to soften.

5. Hypnotic Induction:

• Use a hypnotic induction script or create a personalized one that induces a trance-like state. This might involve counting down from 10 to 1, suggesting relaxation, or visualizing a calming scene.

6. Positive Affirmations for Controlled Assertiveness:

• While in the hypnotic state, introduce positive affirmations related to channeling the fight response into controlled assertiveness. For example, "I harness my energy for positive action" or "I assert myself calmly and confidently."

7. Visual Imagery of Assertive Action:

• Incorporate visual imagery where you channel the energy of the fight response into assertive, controlled actions. Visualize situations where you express yourself assertively without aggression, achieving positive outcomes.

8. Body Sensations and Assertive Energy:

• Pay attention to any sensations in your body as you visualize. Imagine a surge of assertive energy flowing through you, grounding you in a sense of controlled power. Feel this energy as a positive force for assertiveness.

9. Anchor the Response:

• Create a physical anchor associated with the positive response. It could be a gentle touch on your thigh or a specific gesture. Use this anchor later to access the feeling of controlled assertiveness.

10. Gradual Emergence:

- When you're ready to conclude the exercise, gradually bring your awareness back to the present. Count up from 1 to 5, with each number bringing you closer to full alertness.

11. Reflect:

- Take a moment to reflect on the experience. Notice any shifts in your body sensations, thoughts, or feelings. If possible, journal your reflections for future reference.