Train your nervous system to respond with excellence

The following passage from The American Psychological Association (APA) describes how the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work together as the mind-body responds to stress:

The autonomic nervous system has a direct role in physical response to stress and is divided into the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). When the body is stressed, the SNS contributes to what is known as the “fight or flight” response. The body shifts its energy resources toward fighting off a life threat, or fleeing from an enemy.

The SNS signals the adrenal glands to release hormones called adrenalin (epinephrine) and cortisol. These hormones, together with direct actions of autonomic nerves, cause the heart to beat faster, respiration rate to increase, blood vessels in the arms and legs to dilate, digestive process to change and glucose levels (sugar energy) in the bloodstream to increase to deal with the emergency.

The SNS response is fairly sudden in order to prepare the body to respond to an emergency situation or acute stress—short term stressors. Once the crisis is over, the body usually returns to the pre-emergency, unstressed state. This recovery is facilitated by the PNS, which generally has opposing effects to the SNS. But PNS over-activity can also contribute to stress reactions, for example, by promoting bronchoconstriction (e.g., in asthma) or exaggerated vasodilation and compromised blood circulation.

The functionality of the SNS and PNS can be trained to deliver a more balanced and effective response to stress. Aim & Conquer's training tools are designed to stimulate and exercise these systems.

Take control of your relaxation

Regulation of the nervous system – by incorporating the feedback from your surroundings and your inner experience, and responding with strength, speed, stamina, strategy, and skill – can be improved with practice.

Athletes train every day to develop themselves in these areas. So do many others (e.g., surgeons, business executives, firefighters, etc.) who want to become more excellent at responding under pressure.

Aim & Conquer offers training that empowers you and your team to face the stresses in your life more effectively. Reach out directly to discuss potential programs for your organization.

Leverage gaming and screen time to develop self-regulation

Recently, my son has gotten into first-person shooter (FPS) video games. These games are instances of "hunting while being hunted," which stimulates the fight or flight response. Games then add several layers on top of that: the unique abilities that each character possesses, various weapons with different strengths and weaknesses, a range of maps/settings that generate different opportunities and limitations, and the need to collaborate as part of a broader team. 

Gaming offers a lot of room for individuals and teams to develop their awareness and response under stress, and that development can translate to improvements in overall health and well-being. Connect with Aim & Conquer to learn how you can start training your stress response through your video games and other time spent in front of screens.

Learn more about Aim & Conquer trainings

Aim & Conquer offers trainings that help you (and your team) feel more relaxed and more powerful when you respond to stress.

Over time, excessive tension when facing pressure can lead to breakdowns in health and performance. A high-functioning nervous system can help you address that tension more effectively by supporting beneficial adaptation to the situation and task at hand.

If you’re interested in learning more about Aim & Conquer trainings, click below to sign up for the newsletter.