What is Stress?

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We often talk about stress and know when we feel it, but it's not always easy to define. Stress is the body and mind's response when our Autonomic Nervous System is not engaged in the present moment, causing a sense of disconnection. It occurs when our bodies enter defensive states like fight, flight, and shutdown. The Autonomic Nervous System maintains balance and enables us to adapt to internal and external conditions. The way our autonomic nervous system works is like a ‘fingerprint’ that is unique to each person. Our experiences have shaped it since conception and even before that.

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The Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr Stephen Porges, explains the relationship between the nervous system, emotions, and social behaviour. It states that the autonomic nervous system consists of three components:

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1. Safe & Socially Engaged state (ventral vagal complex)

This state allows us to feel safe and calm, enabling connection with others and experiencing joy or solitude. It is our desired state and serves as our "home base."

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2. Fight & Flight state (sympathetic) 

In this state, the sympathetic nervous system is highly activated, mobilizing us for survival when we feel threatened. It relates to feelings of fear or anger and lacks social engagement or creativity. However, we can achieve productivity and creativity when we feel safe in this state.

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3. Freeze & Shutdown state (dorsal vagal complex)

This state involves immobilization and conserving resources when faced with overwhelming force or imminent destruction. It manifests as helplessness, withdrawal, and apathy. Feeling unsafe leads to a shutdown, while feeling safe allows rest, healing, and rejuvenation.

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`Neuroception’ is a term coined by Stephan Porges to describe how neural circuits distinguish whether a situation is safe, threatening, or dangerous. It is an intelligent unconscious process. Whatever our Nervous system does, it does it to keep us safe. And it is learning from each situation we encounter. But sometimes, reactions from the past are not valid in the present anymore, and it is a faulty neuroception. We get triggered by something that reminds us of a traumatic event in our past, consciously or unconsciously. Our nervous system is stuck in the past and hasn't adjusted to the new circumstances. Ideally, we could ‘reset’ our nervous system and get a fresh start. BWRT® can help here.  

 

The idea is a first step to becoming aware, befriending our unique nervous system and getting to know it before we even try to change anything. Sensing our bodies and staying grounded helps us remain in a ventral vagal state. Awareness of our body can help us avoid getting carried away by emotions, leading to faulty neuroception, and practise self-compassion, self-care, and kindness to transcend into the world.  Learning to dance between those states - within the window of tolerance - builds resilience like a muscle we need to tone to become stronger. Caoching and Mindful Photography can support the process. 

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