21/03/2026
When our bodies go in to fight, flight or freeze phase it can be highly frustrating. This can be momentarily or it can be a state we live in.
We need to be able to go into a sympathetic state, this is how our body reacts to thing to keep us safe, but if we live in that state all the time the body becomes over stimulated and can drives us to suffer with anxiety, depression and stress as well as physical symptoms such and pain and tightness.
The most important thing is we learn to understand when we are in this state and have some self help techniques that down-regulate you. These can be used with immediate stress response like entering the show ring, or can be used in longer term stress states too.
Here's few things to try
👉 Box breathing- Breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds and hold for 4 seconds. repeat this for 3 minutes with no break in the cycle.
👉 Humming- Hum or sing to your self, the vibration stimulates our nerve that helps us down regulate.
👉 Tapping- tapping parts of your body such as your fingers, forehead or chest for 1 minute gently.
If you need more help with this we offer Destress and down regulate appointments in clinic and online for riders and non riders. this is one of the most powerful skill we can empower you with you be able to help your self.
Want to learn more or in need of help please message us.
