The 3 Reactions of Polyvagal Theory

Polyvagal Theory is a way to understand how our bodies react to different situations, especially when we're stressed or scared. It's like an explanation of why we feel and act the way we do when we're under pressure.

Here are the main ideas:

There are 3 reactions: The theory says our body has three different ways to react when we're in trouble or feeling threatened.

• Fight or Flight: The first reaction is called "fight or flight." This is when our body gets ready to fight off a threat or run away from it. Imagine if you see a big dog chasing you – your body prepares to either fight the dog or run as fast as you can.
  

• Freeze: The second reaction is "freeze." Sometimes, when we're really scared, our body might just stop. This is like when a possum plays dead when it's scared. We might not move or react because it feels like the safest thing to do at that moment.

• Safe and Social: The third reaction is about feeling safe and social. When we're with people we trust and in a comfortable situation, our body relaxes. We can talk, connect, and feel good. This is like when you're hanging out with friends and having a good time.
  

  Vagus Nerve: The theory also talks about a special nerve called the vagus nerve, which controls these reactions. It's like the body's control center for how we respond to stress and safety.

  Balancing Act: The Polyvagal Theory helps us understand that our body is always trying to balance these reactions. It wants to keep us safe and in control, so it switches between these three reactions depending on what's happening around us.

In a nutshell, the Polyvagal Theory explains how our bodies handle stress and safety, using these three different reactions. It's a bit like our body's built-in safety system that helps us decide whether to fight, run, freeze, or just relax and connect with others, depending on the situation.