The Window of Tolerance: Nervous System Regulation

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/033c6d_721e47177cce4f3bb81aee03e4ff58ce/720p/mp4/file.mp4

It describes the optimal state of our nervous system where we are able to manage and thrive in our daily lives.

When an individual is within this window, they can process information, relate to others, and handle challenges effectively.

The nervous system generally moves between three states. Imagine a river flowing between two banks:

𝟏. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 (𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥)

A person is calm, focused, and capable of abstract thought.

𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 - 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫-𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥 (𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭)

The sympathetic nervous system is over-activated. The "thinking brain" (prefrontal cortex) has gone offline to prioritise survival.

A person is likely experiencing anxiety, emotional outbursts, physical restlessness, or "scanning" the room for threats.

𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 - 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐨-𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐥 (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞)

The parasympathetic nervous system has "shut down" to protect the person from overwhelm. Numbness, "spacing out," lack of energy, or being non-communicative are common signs. It's a state of functional paralysis.

Two are the keys:

𝟏. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (getting back in the window);

𝟐. 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 (slowly building their resilience so the window gets wider over time).