Taming_your_amygdala_brain-based_strategies_to_quiet_the_anxious_mindzip May 2026

When you feel a "hijack" coming on, these tools can send a "stand down" signal to the amygdala:

Here are several key brain-based strategies to help quiet an anxious mind: When you feel a "hijack" coming on, these

Slow, deep breaths tell your brain you are safe. Extending your exhale is particularly effective at activating the vagus nerve and down-regulating the threat response. When you feel a "hijack" coming on, these

Use "bottom-up" strategies like progressive muscle relaxation or holding something cold (like a splash of cold water on the face) to shift your nervous system out of fight-or-flight. 3. Rewiring the Brain Over Time When you feel a "hijack" coming on, these