Polyvagal Theory of Anxiety

Written By Rachel Marfleet

It’s not unusual for children to be really tuned into the different sensory ways that anxiety can show up. The polyvagal theory of anxiety can help us understand this experience, and how our nervous systems can become dysregulated in response to anxiety or tricky feelings.

Here are some helpful videos that gives a quick introduction https://youtu.be/52TQ47Twos4 or https://youtu.be/0zrlKLgnov4?si=33RplfXtJXfQpcSE.

Some ideas you could try at home to help manage this dyregulation include:

    • Humming, singing

    • Listening to classical music

    • Drinking ice cold water through a straw

    • Exercise – especially pilates and yoga stretches

    • Breathing exercises – e.g. blowing bubbles

    • Doing things that make you laugh

    • Fidget toys and cuddling teddies

Rachel Marfleet
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