Window of tolerance and the brain

'Window of tolerance' is a term used to describe the state of awareness in which a person is able to function well. When people are within this zone, they are usually able to receive, process, and integrate information and respond to the demands of everyday life without much difficulty. When a person is within their window of tolerance, generally speaking the brain is functioning well and can effectively process stimuli. That person is likely to be able to reflect, think rationally, and make decisions calmly without feeling overwhelmed.

Here is a graphic from the United States National Institute for the Clinical application of Behavioral Medicine. Their website is quite excellent and you can connect with it here.

Another way of looking at this is simply thinking about mood regulation. You want to keep your meed in a level that doesn't see you so aroused and anxious that you feel like you are walking on eggshells or a mood that see you so sad that it is a struggle to get out of bed. Here is a nice YouTube video that may explain things another way:

For children, it is important to understand how the window of tolerance can affect everything from school to home; from emotional to physical and spiritual; development.This video from Beacon House offers some food for thought.

So a large part of counselling will be to help calm the mind, body and soul, bringing you back into a safe and sane zone emotional and physically. People who have lived in an oppressive situation, such as refugees or domestic violence, often find it challenging to remain in a manageable window of tolerance. Tools available include knowledge into what happening in their brain and body, mindfulness, finding solutions to the root cause of the anxiety, just talking it through, medication, yoga, just to name a through. Some of my favorites are watching cat videos, drumming and motorcycling riding; hanging out on the bikes with two or three of my best mates..What are your tools for bringing yourself back down to earth or lifting yourself up out of the sadness?

No matter what tools you use, it starts with recognizing that I am not OK and seeking help. That is the first step and the fact that you are here shows that your have made it, your are a fighter and survivor.

Tips:

Do a Google search or a YouTube search on terms like:

• Window of tolerance.
• Amygdala hijack.
• Cortisol overload. This one is especially useful if you are battling sleep or weight problems.
• Dan Siegal flip your lid. This will reveal some videos that you can share with your children, if you wish. Here is one of my favorites:

Video clips on the Window of Tolerance:

Here is a great page and clip to help explain the window of tolerance to your children from Kristina Marcelli using traffic. Click here to open in a new window.

Here are a range of YouTube clips on the "Triune Brain", suitable for both parents and child:

Video clips on the part of the brain called the "Amygdala":

Dr Tammy Schamuhn from the Institute of Child Psychology on the connection between the amygdala, anxious thoughts and catastrophising:

https://instituteofchildpsychology.com/anxious-thoughts/?mc_cid=5eac4c3b77&mc_eid=ec0bee40eb 

Dr Annalise Snipes (PhD) on the trauma related brain damage and the neurotoxity of stress.

Video clips on reducing baseline cortisol levels:

Dr Dawn Elise-Sipes on cortisol's impact on mood and health

Dr Sten Ekberg on natural ways to lower cortisol.

Video clips on managing stress and anxiety:

Dr Andrew Huberman (Ph. D) podcast on stress and anxiety.