Understanding your nervous system can help you manage anxiety and trauma. We're going to make this simple but if you wanted to read more, it's super deep and also helpful. Polyvagal theory explain to it's bones that the nervous system has three states:
Ventral Vagal (Safe and Social): This is when you feel calm, connected, and joyful. Your body is relaxed, allowing for better digestion, circulation, and immune function. You feel open to learning and connecting with others.
Sympathetic (Fight or Flight): This state activates when you feel anxious or threatened. You may feel energized or panicked, with increased heart rate and adrenaline. It’s a survival response but can be unhealthy if prolonged, causing stress or anxiety disorders.
Dorsal Vagal (Shutdown): In this state, you feel numb, disconnected, or hopeless. It’s a protective reaction to overwhelming situations, but being stuck here can lead to feelings of depression.
Learning to identify these states can help you move towards feeling safe and calm.
Therapies like polyvagal theory and somatic exercises can guide this process.
How can understanding polyvagal theory help couples improve their emotional connection and communication?
What strategies can partners adopt from polyvagal theory to support each other during stressful times?
How does polyvagal theory explain the physiological responses partners might experience during arguments, and how can this knowledge help resolve conflicts?
In what ways could the principles of polyvagal theory be applied to enhance intimacy and trust in a relationship?
Considering polyvagal theory, what are some signs that a partner might be feeling unsafe, and how can the other partner respond effectively to restore a sense of security?
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