Practical Application of Biological States
Application of the ability to identify the biological states is a necessary component to promote health, wellbeing, and sustainable high performance.
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The previous article discussed the nature and identification of the biological states which emerge from the principles of Polyvagal Theory. Building upon this acknowledgment is the application of this concept in our daily lives. The importance of this capacity lies in the recognition that our experience of any event in our life is significantly influenced by our biological state at the time. In addition the stories and narratives which we hold and develop to help explain our experiences are impacted by, and reflective of, our biological states.
Whether we are considering our experience of internal stimuli, external events, or relational cues, the pertinent information is initially processed within our autonomic nervous system through neuroception. This has been detailed in past articles. Within the context of this discussion, it is important to recognize that neuroception occurs instantaneously and beneath conscious awareness. The result of this process will lead to either a shift in our biological state or maintenance within the current state. It is also important to acknowledge that this process occurs across each of the three pathways: internal, external, and relational.
Following the process of neuroception, our biological states will either shift or remain the same on the basis of the assessment and balance of cues of safety and connection; uncertainty or risk; or threat. Whatever biological state we subsequently shift into will then result in emergence of the physiological and psychological attributes that are characteristic of each respective state. These have been further detailed in the previous article. On the basis of the biological state and, specifically, the physiological and psychological traits associated with the specific state we can experience the same events and stimuli in vastly different ways.
In order to better illustrate the concept of how biological state impacts our experience of that which we encounter, specific examples are helpful. We will consider one example across each of the three pathways and explore the possible influences on our experience of these common events and occurrences. The state specific psychological and physiological responses across the example events follow those described in the past article. What will be considered in further detail within this discussion is the impact of each state on our experience within the specific example.
The first example will be along the external pathway. We all, at one time or another, get stuck in traffic. The manner in which we relate to this situation, however, is variable and largely determined by our biological state. Within a ventral vagal state, we remain grounded with activation of our social engagement system. While not an ideal situation, we are better positioned to make the most of the situation or, at least, not become dysregulated by it, thereby preventing further cues of uncertainty, risk, or threat. If we shift into a sympathetic state we easily become aggravated, angry, or frustrated by the existence of the traffic and resulting delays. From the dorsal vagal state, we can dissociate from what we are currently doing and lose connection with self or others. From this brief overview, it can be readily appreciated how differently we experience the same event on the basis of our existing biological state.
Turning to a healthcare specific example along the internal pathway, we can consider performance of a common task. From my experience as an Orthopaedic surgeon, a common hip fracture surgical procedure can be explored. For the purpose of this discussion, the procedure to be considered will be one that is commonly performed and with which there is proficiency in performing the necessary skills.
Within ventral vagal stabilized states, we are able to perform our craft specific skills to the best of our ability and maintain confidence and optimism that the procedure will be successful. If anything unexpected were to occur, if we are able to maintain ventral vagal stabilization, we are better able to respond to the situation and determine options to best address it. As our social engagement system is active, we are better able to co-regulate those around us, allowing them to be at their best. If we were to shift into a sympathetic state at any point during the procedure, the resulting impact may include loss of confidence; decreased ability to optimally utilize our physical and technical skills; frustration, anger, or negativity; a decreased ability to respond optimally to anything unexpected; and the decrease in social engagement system may cause others to be less able to perform their tasks to their potential. From the dorsal vagal perspective, we may lose connection with those around us leading to loss of teamwork; we may avoid certain aspects of the procedure or performing it to begin with; we may become withdrawn or lose enjoyment in performing our craft; our ability to respond to unexpected events will be greatly reduced; and those around us may completely disconnect from working collaboratively.
Within the relational pathway, consider interactions with colleagues that are challenging, confrontational, or with whom we have significant differences in opinion. From the ventral vagal stabilized states we are able to consider various methods to deal with and resolve the difficult situation. By virtue of the social engagement system remaining active, it is possible that we can co-regulate those individuals, allowing them to remain in a better position to resolve the ongoing situation. We are able to remain hopeful that agreement or resolution can be reached. If we are to shift into a sympathetic state, we are likely to demonstrate protective or defensive traits and responses which are unlikely to improve the situation and are more likely to lead to similar reactions in others, further leading to a deterioration. We are unlikely to be able to consider various options and will likely adopt a negative perspective which likely will cause us to react in suboptimal ways to those around us. From the dorsal vagal perspective, we may become disconnected or develop feelings of hopelessness, thereby not being able to present our viewpoint or pursue options which are of importance to us. Ultimately, we may completely withdraw from the scenario.
While the above examples are not exhaustive of the scenarios we may encounter or the responses we may have within each state, they illustrate the concept of the influence of our biological state on the manner in which we experience the same events. The narrative we develop or hold about ourselves, those around us, and the external events we encounter are strongly influenced and shaped by our existing biological state. There are two important understandings which emerge from this recognition. Firstly, through embodiment and application of the strategies and tactics within the polyvagal informed toolbox we are able to shift our biological state and, thereby, influence the nature of our experience. Secondly, the narratives which we hold that we use to explain our perception of reality are more a reflection of our biological state than they are a true representation of that which we experience. As such, these narratives can be an indicator of our biological state and should also not be necessarily considered factual.
In order to optimally pursue health, wellbeing, and sustainable high performance, it is important to not only identify our biological states but develop the ability to practically apply the information they provide. This reflects a core concept within The Practices of the Healthcare Athlete and provides the capacity to influence the nature of our experience. To learn more, including about polyvagal informed coaching for healthcare professionals and others in high demand domains, visit www.darindavidson.com.
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REFERENCES
Allison, M. The Play Zone: A Neurophysiological Approach to our Highest Performance. https://theplayzone.com.
Dana, D. Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory. Boulder, Colorado: Sounds True, 2021.
Dana, D. Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring The Self in Safety. New York: W.W. Nortan & Company, 2023.
Porges, SW. The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-Regulation. New York: W.W. Norton & Company; 2011.
Porges SW, Porges S. Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us. New York: W.W. Norton & Company; 2023.