The Psychology of Fear, Security & Emotional Intelligence (Neuroscience lessons from Polyvagal Theory)

How to manage stress, build a calmer state of mind and create a foundation for growth and autonomy.

Polyvagal Theory is an intriguing sounding term that holds a lot of answers to how the body perceives threats and gives a surprising amount of actionable take homes that we can use in our everyday lives.

Join Sam Webster in this episode of the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast as he dives deep into the fascinating world of fear, security, emotional intelligence and neuroscience.

There are three main states in which our nervous system operates:

Sympathetic (fight or flight)

Parasympathetic (rest and digest)

Dorsal vagal (shutdown)

They impact our reactions, mental health, and ability to engage with the world.

We'll learn how the body controls itself without conscious control and how to build techniques that give us the freedom to choose our own state and outcomes.

This is essential listening for anyone with experience of trauma or attachment injuries but it is also fundamental for creating the security we need to have a growth mindset.

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Recommended Books

Our Polyvagal World - Stephen Porges & Seth Porges

Also worth reading:

Attached - Amir Levine & Rachel Heller

The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk

Recommended Episodes

How Attachment styles affect all relationships: w/ Jessica Baum - 14th Jun 2024

The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset: Learning and behaviour change - 30th July 2024

Attachment Styles: Understanding our emotional blueprinte - 20th Feb 2024

Meet Sam

Free Call - Schedule Link

Growth Mindset Psychology: Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.

Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)

Website - GrowthMindsetPodcast.com

Insta - SamJam.zen

Newsletter - Expansive Thinking

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory and the Growth Mindset Connection 04:32 Understanding the Vagus Nerve 06:03 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Systems (fight and flight vs relax and digest) 09:55 The Dorsal Vagal State (shutdown and detach) 15:07 Neuroception: Your Body's Spidey Sense 19:57 Controlling our nervous system 20:53 #1 Breathing Techniques for Calmness 24:59 #2 Managing Stress with Lifestyle Changes 27:55 The Importance of Vagal Tone 29:02 #3 Exercise and Stress Management 30:57 The Neuroscience Behind Exercise and Stress Reduction 32:34 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects on Neuroception 34:07 The Importance of Attachment in Early Development 35:09 #4 Healing from Past Trauma 37:05 #5 The Role of Pets in Co-Regulation 38:23 The Science of Human Connection and Attachment 41:40 Polyvagal Theory in Education and Fostering Growth Mindset 44:05 Applying Polyvagal Theory at Work to Build Productivity 46:57 Strengthening Relationships Through Polyvagal Theory 52:10 Personal Growth, Overcoming Challenges & Practical Tips for a Balanced Life 56:15 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices