The Nervous System
At BrightMindsCalmHeartsMindfulLearningLtd, we believe understanding your nervous system is the first step to a happier, more resilient you. Explore how we can help you achieve mindful learning and emotional well-being.
A Short Introduction to Our Nervous System
Did you know that you can map out your own nervous system – well that’s what Dr Porges did, it’s called the Polyvagal Theory! He did it so that we can understand how to shift between the states of our nervous system to feel more mindful, grounded, and happy during the day. The more practised we are to shift and regulate back to calm - the more resilient we become.
First, our “rest and digest” state, this is a response of the parasympathetic system. It is our state of safety. If we are in this state, we are grounded, mindful, joyful, curious, empathetic, and compassionate. This is the state of social engagement, where we are connected to ourselves and the world around us. Physiologically, digestion, resistance to infection, circulation, immune responses, and our ability to connect is improved.
Secondly, our “fight and flight” state, this is our survival strategy, a response from the sympathetic nervous system. If you were going to run from tiger, for example, you want this response to save your life. When we have a fight response, we can have anger, rage, irritation, and frustration. If we are having a flight response, we can have anxiety, worry, fear, and panic. Physiologically, our blood pressure, heart rate, and adrenaline increase, and it decreases digestion, pain threshold, and immune responses.
Lastly, we have our “freeze” and "fawn" state with the freeze response in our dorsal vagal state (also referred to as our emergency state) we are completely shut down, we can feel hopeless and feel like there’s no way out. We tend to feel depressed, conserve energy, dissociate, feel overwhelmed, and like we can’t move forward. Physiologically, our fuel storage and insulin activity increases and so does our pain threshold. The fawn response is slightly different, however does involve disassociation. It is when we are reading the social and emotional cues of others - with the sole intention to attend to and care for their needs above our own. Fawning also involves disconnecting from body sensations, going “numb” and becoming “cut off”.
Introducing the Emotional Activation Scale
The nervous system is activated, by what is happening in our external environment and internally - by our thoughts and feelings. It is this activation of arousal, moving up and down the different states, that influenced the Emotional Activation Scale™. It is our body's activating response - based on our perception of thoughts, feelings, actions and environmental influences.
Common Misconceptions About the Nervous System
The nervous system is often misunderstood, and clearing up those misconceptions can be life-changing.
Common Misconceptions About the Nervous System
We only use 10% of our brain. This myth has been widely debunked. Brain scans show that nearly all parts of the brain are active at different times even during simple tasks.
The spinal cord only handles reflexes. It’s much more than that! The spinal cord processes complex signals and plays a vital role in motor control and sensory integration.
The amygdala only controls fear. While it’s famous for fear responses, the amygdala also helps process emotions like pleasure, motivation, and social behaviour.
Simple animals can’t teach us about the human brain. In fact, studying smaller animals has led to major breakthroughs in neuroscience. Their simpler systems help us understand fundamental brain functions.
Brain damage is always permanent. The nervous system has remarkable plasticity. With therapy and time, many people recover functions once thought lost.
How Understanding the Nervous System Improves Daily Life
Better Stress Management Knowing how the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems work helps you recognize when you're in fight-or-flight—and how to return to calm.
Improved Emotional Regulation Understanding your nervous system’s states (like Polyvagal Theory’s ventral vagal vs. dorsal vagal) helps you shift from shutdown to connection.
Enhanced Physical Health A regulated nervous system boosts digestion, immune function, and sleep quality.
Greater Resilience When you learn to move between nervous system states, you become more adaptable to life’s challenges.
Mindful Decision-Making Recognizing how hunger, fatigue, or stress affect your nervous system can help you pause before reacting impulsively.
The Impact of Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can feel like emotional whirlwinds—but they’re not just in your head. They deeply impact your nervous system, shifting your body into survival mode. Let’s unpack how that works and what you can do to restore calm.
How Stress & Anxiety Affect the Nervous System
Activates the Sympathetic Nervous System. This triggers the “fight or flight” response—your heart races, breathing quickens, muscles tense, and digestion slows.
Floods the Body with Stress Hormones. Cortisol and adrenaline surge, increasing blood sugar and energy but also suppressing immune function and sleep quality.
Disrupts Brain Function. Chronic stress can shrink the hippocampus (memory and emotion regulation) and overactivate the amygdala (fear center), making you more reactive.
Dysregulates the Autonomic Nervous System. You may get stuck in high-alert mode or shut down entirely, leading to fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, and emotional numbness.
🌟 The CALM™ Approach
A child-centred, trauma-informed framework developed by Claire Lawrence
At Bright Minds, Calm Hearts, Mindful Learning Ltd, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, connected, and understood. The CALM™ Approach is our own therapeutic framework, designed to support children in regulating emotions, building confidence, and connecting with others through play, creativity, and mindful learning.
🌱 What CALM™ Stands For
C – Connection
Helping children build safe, trusting relationships with themselves and others.
A – Awareness
Supporting awareness of body, emotions, and sensory needs — the first step to self-regulation.
L – Learning Through Play
Using play, creativity, and imagination (including LEGO® Therapy) to develop communication, problem-solving, and resilience.
M – Mindful Confidence
Fostering self-esteem, identity, and confidence — so children feel proud of who they are.
🌟 Why We Use CALM™
Children thrive when they feel seen, heard, and supported. The CALM™ Approach provides children with practical strategies and playful experiences to:
- Regulate their body and emotions
- Understand and express feelings safely
- Develop social and communication skills
- Strengthen self-confidence and resilience
- Carry these skills into school, home, and community life
✨ Every session is designed to help children move towards greater calm, connection, and confidence, step by step, and brick by brick.
Lego Brick Based Therapy and the Nervous System
At BrightMindsCalmHeartsMindfulLearningLtd we specialise in Lego Play Brick Based Therapy, a neurodivergent-affirming approach that helps children build emotional awareness, social connection, and nervous system regulation through collaborative creativity.
How It Supports the Nervous System
It promotes Co-Regulation. Children work in small groups with clear roles (builder, supplier, engineer), which fosters predictable routines and emotional safety key for calming the nervous system.
Encourages Social Engagement. Through shared play, children activate the ventral vagal system (the “rest and digest” state), helping them feel connected, curious, and safe.
Builds Emotional Awareness. Structured Lego play allows children to express feelings, notice body cues, and reflect on emotional states, especially helpful for those who struggle with identifying or verbalizing emotions.
Supports Sensory Regulation. The tactile nature of Lego bricks and the focused activity can soothe sensory overload and help children stay grounded.
Reduces Anxiety Through Predictability. Clear instructions, defined roles, and consistent routines reduce uncertainty, which helps shift children out of fight/flight or freeze states.
Real-Life Benefits
Boosts confidence and self-esteem
Improves turn-taking, communication, and teamwork
Helps children recognize and respond to their own nervous system states
Creates a safe space for emotional expression and connection
Start Calming Your Nervous System Today
Get in touch with Bright Minds Calm Hearts Mindful Learning Ltd, to explore our Lego Brick-Based Therapy and other services. Let’s start building a brighter future together today!