How Lizard Brain Thinking Affects Us
Lizard brain thinking kicks in when we feel threatened, stressed, or pressured. It can manifest as:
Fear-based decisions – Avoiding risks due to perceived danger, even when they might lead to growth.
Impulsive reactions – Acting on emotion without considering long-term consequences.
Resistance to change – Clinging to comfort zones because unfamiliar situations feel unsafe.
Tribalism and competition – Feeling the need to dominate or exclude others for self-preservation.
Harnessing the Lizard Brain
While instinctual thinking can sometimes hold us back, it also serves a purpose—it keeps us alert and prepared for danger. The key is to recognize when our lizard brain influences our thoughts and learn to balance it with rational thinking. Mindfulness, self-awareness, and conscious decision-making help override reactive behaviours and guide us toward more thoughtful responses.
Understanding lizard brain thinking can empower us to manage fear, embrace change, and make choices that align with our true goals—not just our primal instincts.
If an unwanted thought pops up, think of it like a radio station that’s playing the wrong song—you can tune it out and switch the dial. Here are some ways to shift your perspective fast:
Label the Thought – Instead of engaging with it, recognize it: “Oh, there’s that thought again.” This creates distance between you and the idea.
Ask a New Question – Shift focus by asking, “What’s a completely different way to look at this?” or “What would my wiser self say?”
Use Humor – Imagine the thought in a ridiculous voice, like a cartoon character. A silly spin can instantly break its hold.
Ground Yourself in Reality – Look around and name five things you see, hear, or feel. This pulls your brain out of its loop.
Flip to Gratitude – Counter it by listing three things you’re grateful for, forcing a more positive shift.
Move Your Body – Physical motion (even standing up or stretching) can interrupt the pattern and refresh your mind.
Visualize Something Better – Close your eyes and picture a peaceful scene or a happy memory to override the unwanted thought.
Involuntary thoughts welcome themselves into our minds – that won’t change!
Once you begin to practice awareness of the involuntary thoughts – you become more efficient at managing them. That is what you have control over!
Which of these do you think might work best for you? Or do you have a favorite trick that’s helped before?