The Window of Tolerance
This week I've been talking a lot about the nervous system and wanted to send some info explaining the window of tolerance and it's usefulness in understanding how we respond to stress.
🪟 Imagine your "window" as the space where you feel calm, grounded, and able to cope with life’s ups and downs. Within this window, you can think clearly, connect with others, and respond to challenges effectively.
But when stress becomes overwhelming, your nervous system becomes dysregulated in one of two ways:
🔺 Hyperarousal occurs when you’re outside your window of tolerance, feeling anxious, irritable, or “on edge.” This is when fight or flight responses occur.
🔻 Hypoarousal, the other extreme, involves feeling numb, disconnected, or completely shut down. This is the freeze response.
💡 The good news? Your window can expand with time and practice. Techniques like mindfulness, grounding exercises, and seeking support can help you stay regulated and widen your capacity to navigate stress.
🤍 Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help. As humans, we all step outside our window sometimes—what matters is finding tools to bring ourselves back.
