Nervous System Regulation Through Polyvagal Theory
The nervous system plays a vital role in how we respond to our feelings and the world around us. Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, helps us understand how our body reacts to stress and how we can manage those reactions. Essentially, how our bodies feel affects our emotions and behaviors, which can lead to two main issues: too much energy in our system or not enough.
Over-Regulation of the Nervous System
Over-regulation happens when your nervous system is stuck in a heightened state, often due to ongoing stress or trauma. In simpler terms, there's too much energy in your system, which can make you feel anxious, angry, or irritable. This state is often linked to trauma and can contribute to issues like anxiety disorders, PTSD, and ongoing stress.
Under-Regulation of the Nervous System
Under-regulation, on the other hand, occurs when your nervous system doesn’t respond well to stress, leaving you feeling disconnected or numb. You might experience feelings of depression, lethargy, or just a general sense of fatigue—essentially, there’s not enough energy in your system.
When our nervous systems are out of balance, we can swing between feeling really stressed and feeling completely drained, sometimes even feeling both at once—tired yet wired.
Balancing the Nervous System
Finding a balance in how our nervous system works is key to feeling good. Here are some straightforward strategies based on Polyvagal Theory that can help:
Social Connection: Spend time with supportive friends and family. Feeling safe and connected to others can really help.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a great way to release stress and help your body find its balance.
Therapeutic Interventions: Therapy, especially trauma-informed approaches, can help individuals process past experiences and learn to regulate their nervous systems more effectively.
Somatic Experiencing is an approach that focuses on the body and helps you let go of past traumas while reconnecting with your inner strengths.
If you’re interested in trying Somatic Experiencing, feel free to reach out for a session!
