If you’ve ever experienced trauma or anxiety, you know how debilitating it can be. It can feel like you’re constantly stuck in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. But what if there was a scientific explanation for why this happens? That’s where polyvagal theory comes in.

The polyvagal theory is a groundbreaking theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges that explains how the nervous system responds to stress and trauma. According to the theory, three branches of the nervous system work together to regulate our response to stress: the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the newest branch, the social engagement system.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response, activated when we sense danger. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the rest and digest response, which is activated when we’re in a relaxed state. The social engagement system is responsible for our ability to connect with others and feel safe in social situations.

When we experience trauma or chronic stress, our nervous system can become dysregulated, causing us to get stuck in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. This dysregulation can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.

But the good news is that polyvagal theory provides practical tools for regulating our nervous system and managing our response to stress. Here are a few tips for applying polyvagal theory in your daily life:

1. Practice breathing: Slow, deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help you feel more relaxed and calm.
2. Engage your social engagement system: Connecting with others, even if it’s just through a phone call or video chat, can activate your social engagement system and help you feel safer and more secure.
3. Ground yourself in the present moment: Focusing on your senses, such as the sights, sounds, and smells around you, can help bring you back to the present moment and regulate your nervous system.
4. Seek professional support: A trained therapist can help you learn practical skills for managing your nervous system and healing from trauma.

By understanding polyvagal theory and applying its principles to your daily life, you can begin to regulate your nervous system and find relief from trauma and anxiety symptoms. Remember, healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.