Building Resilient Workplaces with Polyvagal Theory: A Guide to Connection and Psychological Safety

It's normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or even isolated at work. But what if understanding our body's natural responses could help create a more connected, psychologically safe, and productive environment? Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory offers a framework for managing stress and building resilience—not just for ourselves but across entire teams.?

Understanding Polyvagal Theory

The Polyvagal Theory explains how our autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to different stress or safety signals. Our ANS operates in three primary states:

• The Green Zone (Ventral Vagal State): When we feel safe, our body enters a calm, engaged state. Here, we’re open to connection, creativity, and collaboration—a state ideal for thriving at work.
• The Yellow Zone (Sympathetic State): When faced with a challenge or perceived threat, we shift into “fight or flight” mode. Our heart rate rises, alertness increases, and we focus on survival, often at the cost of openness and collaboration.
• The Red Zone (Dorsal Vagal State): If a threat feels overwhelming, we can enter a “freeze” state, leading to feelings of helplessness, disconnection, or shutdown.

Understanding these states can help us...

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