A Closer Look

There are two other elements which are to be considered in each stress cycle. The first element is called the"lull stage" (figure 4A).

The lull stage is the inaction time or inaction period between the stress response and the expulsion. The lull stage is where the brain considers the action it will take in order to move from an uncomfortable state back to a peaceful state. In the case of a sneeze, the brain might consider the following choices as part of its action to expel:

• Reaching for a tissue paper to sneeze into.
• Covering the nose.
• Holding the nose to repress the sneeze.
• Sneezing without a tissue paper.
• Sneezing with or without food in the mouth.
• Sneezing without covering the nose.
• Sneezing into the sleeve.
• Sneezing into a friend's sleeve.
• Sneezing loudly or softly.
• Dramatizing the sneeze.

The action of sneezing may have many factors for consideration. The lull stage is where the decision making process goes into gear in order to choose the action (expulsion) needed for the occasion.

top | next | table of contents

home | about me | preface | section 1 | section 2 | section 3 | appendix
references | disclaimer | editorials | send page to friend