According to polyvagal theory, the nervous system has three pathways it can follow in the face of a threat: Ventral Vagal, Sympathetic and Dorsal Vagal (see the image below). By mapping your nervous system in relation to these pathways, you can better understand when your nervous system is going into "defence mode", begin to identify your triggers and develop strategies for staying grounded. Download the Autonomic Mapping Activity at the bottom of this page, to track your nervous system regularly.
