A shark or feet? What you see first reveals how you're handling stress

Life can be chaotic sometimes. But how you respond to that makes all the difference. Do you let stress run its course, or do you really handle it? Regardless of whether you are sorted or not, this test will catch your brain off guard.

Look at this image for a few seconds. Don’t think much; just tell us what you saw first: feet or a shark? Well, what you say is less about who you are and more about where your mind is today. This simple choice tends to reflect whatever state your nervous system is already in. Remember, there is nothing right or wrong, but rather a clue as to where your mind might be.

If you saw feet first

You saw feet first? Well, this means you are currently in a ‘movement and direction’ state.

This means part of you is in a ‘doing’ mode, always working towards a goal, giving your best to outrun a problem. Now, what does it mean for your mind? It is a sign that your nervous system is alert and pushing you to keep moving forward. The only thing you need to know is whether you are moving towards something you actually want, or just putting distance between yourself and something you don't.

Either way, the drive is real; it just helps to know which direction it's pointed in.

If you saw the shark first

Now, not everyone sees feet first; some may have seen the shark. If you did too, this means your attention is tuned to potential threats and small details. This suggests your nervous system is on high alert. You are constantly scanning for what could go wrong. There is a chance that you are picking up on tension you can't quite name yet. This also indicates a strong survival instinct and a deep analytical ability. Your brain might be constantly telling you, ‘Let’s be careful’, and always assessing the risks.

While this may not be entirely bad for you, constant alertness and overthinking may give you unwanted anxiety.

How to reset your brain now

So, what’s your result? How do you approach a stressful situation? Not well? Then here’s a 3-minute practice that can help you focus and prevent those racing thoughts. You don’t need any app or timer to practise this - just some time and all your senses.

The 3-minute reset

This 3-minute reset is called the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. This mindfulness approach will help to pull you out of anxiety or panic. This practice engages all your senses.

You are already there

By now, your breathing must have already slowed. That is exactly the point of this exercise. It does not really wipe off the stress, but it gives your mind a place to focus. It gives you a moment before you go back to whatever you've been doing.