What the Heck is a Dorsal Vagal Shutdown?

.......And how would you know you are in one? 

It is actually a natural response of the body’s nervous system to extremely stressful situations and unfortunately it does not have to be as severe as running from a tiger like we are used to hearing.  Stressful situations can be as simple as making a cold call when you are a sales professional or taking a realtor exam or even having to have a tough conversation with your kids!   Is not FREEZE state the normal these days?  Yes, part of our parasympathetic nervous system and often referred to as a “freeze” response—when fight or flight is no longer an option. 

This shutdown serves as a defense mechanism to protect our own body from what our bodies view as a threat!

Signs You are Experiencing Dorsal Vagal Shutdown

Emotional numbness or disconnection from reality.

Physical immobility or feeling “frozen.”

Dissociation or feeling "foggy."

Coping & Recovery

To break the cycle, it is vital to focus on creating safety, using grounding techniques, and engaging in trauma-informed therapy help. 

Techniques like deep breathing can activate other parts of the nervous system, helping restore balance and promote recovery.

This is why I share just three pivotal exercises you can do today to take action for YOU: 

1. Exactly as it reads and looks here, stretch while standing, looking up, hands together and reach as far up as you can. Take Your Time. 

2. You do not need a rebounder; but to see the point bounce up and down and shake your head and hands slowly and gently to get your body to reframe yourself in safety.  

3.  Hugging a pet, a person, a pillow - can help you feel safe and warm. Grab a heating pad even better to relax those muscles and remind yourself of safety.  

Lastly, You get Bonus Points if you follow this up with a walk.  A walk of any kind, but in nature is best.  Get grounded, feel the leaves, pavement, sand or snow under your feet as you walk and take a few breaths of fresh air around you and simply enjoy the presence of the NOW. 

I welcome you to this challenge of trying one of these tips next time you feel FROZEN.  Email me what you feel and how you feel after.  My intention is to help guide you - using free tools available inside all of us for all of us!  

Have a wonderful rest of your week and always find something in your day that went "your" way.  You are safe, loved and protected.