A regulated nervous system is prerequisite for any thriving, balanced and loving relationship.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
PARTNERSHIP & THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
When we are in the Sympathetic, Overwhelm or Dorsal Vagal states, our body is focused on our personal survival (fight, flight or freeze). This means that our ability to relate to and connect with our intimate partner is limited when we are in these states.
In these states, we are more likely to experience our partner as unsafe, miscommunicate with our partner, experience emotional triggers, and react from an emotional place.
REGULATING THE NERVOUS SYSTEM FOR A LOVING PARTNERSHIP
The good news is that we can become more loving, compassionate, playful and peaceful in our intimate relationships when we regulate our nervous system daily and do the following.
ENGAGE IN DAILY PLAY
Find opportunities to activate the social engagement system and engage in social face-to-face play with your partner. This engages the part of the nervous system that the body associates with safety and calm - and will build resistance to emotional triggers.
TAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE
Take time out for self-care to reduce your allostatic load (baseline stress level) and move into the Play, Ventral Vagal or Stillness states.
WITNESS EACH OTHER WITHOUT JUDGMENT
Create a safe space in our partnership to be able to express emotions safely (without projecting onto our partner), and have your partner witness them. This teaches your body that it is safe for us to both express our emotions and to receive those of our partner. This prevents the nervous system from going into a Dorsal Vagal or Sympathetic response.
DAILY BALANCE TRAINING
Each morning, complete a BALANCE exercise each morning to access the Play, Ventral Vagal or Stillness state.
The more flexible and balanced the nervous system is, the better it will be able to self-regulate - making for more enjoyable intimate partnership.
80% of the nerves in the human body are "afferent" - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
NeuroFit is a nervous system trainer. Through daily check-ins, biometric measurements via your phone's camera, and tailored exercises, it removes stress at the source. Available for iOS & Android.
The ventral vagal nervous system state is a state of relaxation and calmness. It is characterized by slow and deep breathing, a slow heart rate, and a feeling of peace and openness.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Discernment is the practice of avoiding that which adds unnecessary strain to the nervous system to ensure proper balance. With NeuroFit this includes avoiding online stress, alcohol and substances, eating within 3 hours of bedtime, and social fatigue.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Nervous System Fitness is the degree of flexibility and resilience of one's nervous system. The name implies that the nervous system can be trained and strengthened, much like physical fitness.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.