When we experience stress, our emotional brain—particularly the amygdala—can take over and trigger a “fight, flight, or freeze” response, even when there is no immediate danger. This part of the brain reacts quickly and automatically, prioritising survival over logic. At the same time, the intellectual brain, mainly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for reasoning, planning, and rational thinking, can become less active under stress. This is why it can feel difficult to think clearly, make decisions, or “calm yourself down” when you are overwhelmed. The good news is that with the right support—such as mindfulness and solution-focused hypnotherapy—we can help regulate the emotional brain and re-engage the intellectual brain, allowing you to respond to situations with greater calm, clarity, and control.