Play! to Heal your Nervous System

Let this share ring true for you as a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be so serious! Invite your inner child to play while getting the full benefits of healing your Nervous System through laughter and unstructured, curiosity-generated movement.

Now let’s get down to the geeky: 

I made y’all a little map of the primary neurological states and how to identify them (see the image associated with this post)

By combining the mobilization of the fight/flight response with a predominantly ventral vagal state, we’re able to safely move ourselves out of the hyperarousal activation of a purely sympathetic state through play.

What we know from neuroscience research is that each state is available to us at all times. But, due to a lack of resources, we often find ourselves “stuck” and unable to adapt and shift states easily. Utilizing blended states is an incredible way of gently shifting yourself out of the “less desirable” neurological states and inviting yourself into those that are more highly evolved.

While we tend to demonize these “lower” states, I want you to also notice the positive aspects. Sympathetic, when mixed with ventral vagal, makes play! And dorsal vagal, when mixed with ventral vagal, makes bliss! What we’re most interested in cultivating within our Nervous System is adaptability and that starts with identifying where you predominantly spend your time.

Here’s your prescription for play:

-laugh for no reason! (Seriously). 

-move your body intuitively with curiosity and no agenda

-sports and physical activity (AKA “friendly competition”) engage play along with co-regulation from teammates

-Shake! Move your body and emit vocalizations that feel organic and silly

Let’s keep in touch:

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