“A few years ago, I would react too quickly to situations. I think I am learning to respond rather than react now. So that has changed the quality of my life.,” said Anushka Sharma during a promotional interaction for a sports brand. Highlighting that her considerate approach to situations and people has also improved her husband Virat Kohli's life, the actor added: "It has changed my life and yours?." while looking at the cricketer with a broad smile, pointing out his impulsive reactions on the field. She continued, "Sometimes the bowlers are not celebrating as much as Virat is." Her words reflect a universal struggle: the human tendency to react impulsively when life gives them lemons. In those intense moments, we don't realise the irrationality of our actions. Eventually, all we are left with is a deep sense of remorse, said Dr Adamina Gupta, a psychologist at Delhi's LimbiQ Centre for Psychiatry. "What should matter is how to get out of that state, train our minds to act better, and choose to respond with calmness instead. Our tendency to behave a certain way stems from both biology and practice," she told indianexpress.com. Why do we react on impulse? Dr Gupta explained, "Not everyone is wired to react on impulse, but certain life stressors can trigger a 'knee-jerk' reaction to situations. In such moments, people act before thinking things through." It’s like snapping back at a friend during an argument before really listening. Only later do we think, “I shouldn’t have said that.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Classy Female Club (@classyfemaleclub) Fight or flight mode Our brain is constantly operating in fight-or-flight mode, also known as the stress response, which is generally triggered by the release of hormones that either prompt us to stay and fight back or to run to safety or become defensive. "The fight-or-flight response, also known as an adrenaline rush, was meant to save us from danger, like running from a wild animal. Today, though, it can get triggered by things like a harsh email from your boss, making you panic or lash out even though it’s not life-threatening. Socio-economic stressors, genetics, or mental conditions can activate it even in non-lethal contexts. This makes some people seem 'irrational,' as they react impulsively without time for reflection," explained Dr Gupta. This clearly suggests that socio-economic dynamics, genetics, and mental health conditions can amplify this tendency even further. Can we rewire the brain? Indeed, stressed Dr Gupta. "Learning emotional regulation helps shift from reacting to responding. For example, pausing to take a deep breath before replying gives the brain space to settle. Instead of lashing out in anger, you might choose to say, “Let’s talk about this later.” Becoming mindful and aware of impulsive patterns allows you to pause before reacting. With practice, the brain gradually strengthens its capacity to respond thoughtfully, rather than falling back on automatic reactions. Reactive to responsive The psychologist recommends several ways to switch from impulsive reactions to mindful responses: Practice mindfulness: Integrate breathing exercises and meditation in your daily routine to become more aware of your emotions before they escalate. Journalling: Start writing things down, from triggers to reactions. This will help you analyse and identify patterns, as well as cultivate self-awareness. Reorganise your thoughts: Take criticism constructively, rather than considering it as a personal attack. Ask yourself: Is this really meant to harm me, or is the other person simply expressing their perspective? Take a pause: Breathe, let the thoughts sink in, process, and then respond. "Even a five-second pause before replying can change the tone of an entire conversation," emphasised the psychologist. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
