Ep 02. Understanding Why You’re Stuck: Using Polyvagal Theory to Unlock the Life You Desire
Listen On:
Episode Description:
In this episode, Sarah takes you through the different states in your Autonomic Nervous System, likening it to a special ops team constantly working to protect you. She explains how, through a process called neuroception, the system is constantly monitoring for internal and external threats. Sarah then delves into the three states of dysregulation—Sympathetic, Dorsal, and Freeze—and how each state has brilliantly adapted to protect you, as well as your primary state of regulation—Ventral—which is where we experience much of the “good” in life.
You’ll also go through practical steps to begin creating a “toolbox for regulation” and learn about the importance of consistently engaging in neural exercises, which is the key to rewiring the nervous system and improving your overall quality of life. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or everyday stress, this episode is filled with actionable tools to help you get into the driver’s seat of your experience and gain control over how you feel.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
01:33 Neuroception - The Threat Detector
04:33 3 States of Dysregulation
11:46 Long-Term Dysregulation
13:21 Mirror Neurons - Nervous Systems Affect Each Other
15:58 #1: Sympathetic: Your Mobilized State of Fight/Flight
20:50 #2: Dorsal: Your Immobilized State of Shutdown
29:24 #3: Freeze: Your Blended State of Tonic Immobility
36:38 Ventral: Your Primary State of Regulation
40:51 Vagal Tone
46:35 The Connection Between Your Nervous System and Sleep
56:30 Your Pace is Exactly Right
01:04:10 Healing Shame
