27/05/2026
Therapy Translated
The “Window of Tolerance” is the space where our nervous system feels able to cope with life.
Inside this window, we’re generally able to
• think clearly
• manage emotions
• problem solve
• stay connected
• respond instead of react
But when stress, overwhelm, fear, sensory overload, exhaustion or life pressures become too much, we can move outside that window.
Some people move into
🔥 hyperarousal
(anxiety, panic, anger, overwhelm)
Others move into
🧊 hypoarousal
(shutdown, numbness, withdrawal, disconnection)
And sometimes we move between both.
What’s important to understand is that this isn’t weakness.
It’s nervous capacity.
We all have limits.
And we all deserve support when life feels bigger than our capacity to hold it.