The Four Faces of Fear — and How to Find Your Way Through with Sylvia Plester-Silk

Do you shut down under pressure? Go into overdrive? Try to keep the peace at all costs? In this episode of 10 Minutes to Joy, holistic psychotherapist Sylvia Plester-Silk breaks down the four ways we typically respond to stress and fear — fight, flight, freeze, and appease — and what they're costing us when left unchecked. Sylvia explains how these survival responses show up in your body and your everyday life, often in situations that aren't actually life-threatening. You'll learn how to recognize your own default patterns and pick up practical tools — including a calming breath work technique — to help you respond rather than just react. In this episode: The four fear responses and how they manifest physically and emotionally What appeasement behaviour looks like (and when to take it seriously) How chronic stress can lead to adrenal burnout A simple deep breathing exercise to self-soothe in the moment Journaling prompts to help you identify your patterns and build healthier responses 10 Minutes to Joy is hosted by Sylvia Plester-Silk, holistic psychotherapist.