Cues from the body that we are shifting into protection can include tension building up in our shoulders, necks, or stomachs, trembling, sweaty palms, clenching our jaws, breathing from our chest as opposed to our belly, an increased heart rate, and shallow breathing. Cues from the mind that we are shifting into protection often include negative thoughts, particularly about other people, and defending our own truth. And cues from our own behavior that we are shifting into protection might include a change in our tone of voice, yelling, shutting down, and avoidance.
