Remind yourself that you are in an adult body with allies, skills and resources to protect you that you never had as a child. [Feeling small and fragile is a sign of a flashback.] Ease back into your body. Fear launches you into “heady” worrying, or numbing and spacing out. [a] Gently ask your body to Relax: feel each of your major muscle groups and softly encourage them to relax. [Tightened muscles send false danger signals to your brain.] [b] Breathe deeply and slowly. [Holding your breath also signals danger.] [c] Slow down: rushing presses your brain’s flight response button. [d] Find a
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