Have you heard of polyvagal theory? It’s a crucial piece of the jigsaw of understanding how we relate to each other, and what supports or impedes human connection.

The vagus nerve is a branch of our nervous system that responds to our sense of feeling ‘safe’ in the world – and we can work to activate it, physiologically, to feel safer. Social engagement improves the safer we feel.

When we are managing interpersonal #conflict or disagreements, a knowledge of polyvagal theory can help us regulate our own emotions, and recognise why/when another person may be behaving in a way that is either defensive or ‘shut down’.

Sukie Baxter is a brilliant educator on the subject, and her video here is a great starting point:

Polyvagal Theory Explained Simply:

0:00 Polyvagal Theory Explained Simply

1:07 What Is Polyvagal Theory?

1:41 Where Does Polyvagal Theory Come From?

1:54 Old Model Of The Body’s Stress Response

2:47 How The Polyvagal Theory Explains Stress

3:05 The Polyvagal Ladder: 3 States Of Nervous System Activation

3:26 Ventral Vagal Social Engagement

4:49 Sympathetic Nervous System Activation (Fight or Flight)

7:08 Dorsal Vagal Shutdown

9:40 How The Body Stores Stress

13:13 Polyvagal Theory And Pain: What’s The Connection?

15:12 Polyvagal Theory And Mental Focus

15:26 Polyvagal Theory and Relationships

16:11 Why Changing Your Thoughts Won’t Release Stress Stored In The Body

17:42 How To Regulate Your Autonomic Nervous System

#polyvagaltheory #humanconnection #interpersonalcommunication #mediation #traumarecovery