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Three Ways to Unfreeze Your Nervous System
Did you know that your nervous system has more than two modes? We often talk about the binary between Fight/Flight and Rest/Digest, but there is a third nervous system response called fear immobilization that gets activated when fighting or running won't be effective options. Learn more about what happens when the fear immobilization response is activated and discover three practices to support the vagus nerve and unfreeze the nervous system.
What are your Activators?
The body makes more receptors for its triggers to keep itself safe. Pain triggers include temperature, stress, movement, hormones, and oxygen levels.
Too many of one kind of channel makes you sensitive to that kind of stimulus. The good news is that these channels are replaced every 48 hours. If we understand what our triggers are, we can decrease that type of stimulus, and allow the channels to return to a balanced level so you are no longer extra sensitive to that kind of stimulus.
Stop being chased by a lion
If you have ongoing stress (including pain that lasts for a long time), your nervous system won't be able to tell the difference between a stressful day at work and an actual lion. The brain on pain can become so sensitive, that it is like you are living with a metaphorical lion chasing you at all times.
Understanding pain
Pain is your nervous system’s response to the perception of threat. The first step to reducing pain is understanding it. Explaining pain reduces the perception of threat, which reduces pain. As pain comes down, function improves. The next step is to figure out your triggers, and build up your toolbox to help you manage those triggers. As you balance your life, you will start to balance your pain.