05/11/2025
🚨 Feeling sluggish, disconnected, or overwhelmed? 🚨
You might be experiencing a dorsal vagal state, a natural "shutdown" response of your nervous system when it perceives high stress or threat. Think of it like your body's way of hitting the pause button for protection.While this response is adaptive, getting stuck in this state can leave you feeling drained and unable to engage fully.
The good news? Gentle movement can be a powerful way to help your nervous system "come back online" and shift into a more regulated state.
Here's why movement helps:
✳️ Signals Safety: Slow, rhythmic movements signal to your body that you're safe and not in immediate danger.
✳️ Releases Tension: Physical activity helps release pent-up tension and energy associated with the dorsal vagal response.
✳️ Increases Body Awareness: Gentle movement brings you back into your body, fostering a sense of presence and connection.
✳️ Stimulates the Vagus Nerve: Specific types of movement, like gentle stretching, walking, or rocking, can directly stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in regulating your nervous system.
Try this:
✳️ Take a slow, mindful walk, paying attention to the sensations in your body.
✳️ Gently sway or rock back and forth.
✳️ Do some slow, deep stretches.
✳️ Engage in a calming movement practice like yoga or Tai Chi.
✨ Remember, be patient and kind to yourself. Shifting out of a dorsal vagal state takes time and gentle persistence. Experiment with the following movements to find what feels best for your body.
