Courtesy of The BeeHive
The body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) is made up of two parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic, which work to ensure survival; they interpret stimuli in the environment, determining the overall safety (neuroception) and activate an appropriate response to ensure continued survival. Isn’t that amazing?
But, what are these specific responses and how do they ensure survival?
The ANS uses the vagus nerve to control our physiological state in response to the perception of danger or safety in our environment. The vagus nerve carries information from the body and gut to the brain stem and vice versa, which directly influences our heart and breath rates.
The ANS influences three sets of biological functions:
Dorsal-parasympathetic — immobilization to conserve body resources (feigning death) until threat dissipates, which we often refer to as the fawn or freeze reactions;
Spinal-sympathetic — mobilization for work, play and necessary tasks and escaping danger by fighting or fleeing, which we often refer to as the fight or flight reactions; and
Ventral-parasympathetic — connection with self, nature and others, and restoring and replenishing body resources in which we are emotionally regulated and safe.
A fight response allows the individual to focus on personal survival at all costs. This can be seen as explosive and aggressive behaviors, but also in enacting control over a situation, an inability to process the perspectives of others and dictatorial tendencies.
A flight response might be obsessive or compulsive behaviors, panicked and anxious expressions, perfectionistic focus on task completion, micromanaging, overachieving and the need to always be on the go.
A fawn response can be people-pleasing, focusing on the needs and wants of others at the expense of one’s own needs, conflict avoidance, an extreme need to fit in and gain acceptance through self-sacrifice, and a refusal to stand up for one’s self.
A freeze response can present as a “space case,” self-isolation, excessive sleeping, poor memory, disassociation, inability to make decisions, achievement-phobic and being passionless.
Although these responses are designed to ensure survival through a series of biological adaptations, they do create long-term limitations in an ability to cope with social demands and therefore need mindful balance.
You can build regulation through healthy interactions with others, observing your body’s reactions with curiosity and without judgment, cultivating places where you feel safe and finding pleasure through mindful practices such as play and laughter.
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