The Autonomic Nervous System, and the Polyvagal Theory (Explained Simply)

About this episode

This episode explains the autonomic nervous system and Polyvagal Theory in simple terms, challenging traditional views on sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.

You don't decide to beat your heart, take your next breath, or digest your lunch. Something else runs all of that, every second, without checking in with you. That's your autonomic nervous system. This episode breaks down what Polyvagal Theory is in plain language and how it questions the old "sympathetic vs. parasympathetic" idea. 👉 New here? Find your stuck state, and your starting place: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck Or go straight to what's best for you: 👉 Start free in the community: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/start 📘 Prefer to read, or want to support the show?: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/books 🎧 Practice on your own with the Self-Regulation Coach app: https://studio.com/justin/self-regulation-coach 👥 Prefer company? Move through it alongside others in the Unstucking Academy: https://www.stucknotbroken.com/unstuckingacademy 😊 About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection without psychobabble or woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband. ✅ Crisis resources: National…

People in this episode

Host: Justin Sunseri

Topics covered

• autonomic nervous system
• Polyvagal Theory
• mental health
• self-regulation
• education

Keywords

• autonomic nervous system
• Polyvagal Theory
• mental health
• self-regulation
• sympathetic
• parasympathetic

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Polyvagal Institute, National Suicide Prevention Hotline, National Domestic Violence Hotline, LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline, National Sexual Assault Hotline, Crisis Text Line

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