The Window of Tolerance: Understanding Your Nervous System’s Comfort Zone

We don’t live within our Window of Tolerance all the time.

When we’re inside the window, we feel grounded, present, and able to respond flexibly to what life throws at us. But when stress builds, we can tip into hyperarousal (fight or flight) or hypoarousal (freeze).

Neither state means you’re broken. These are survival responses your nervous system learned to keep you safe.

The key is learning to notice when you’re outside your window and gently bringing yourself back in. This might look like grounding, co-regulation with a safe person, or practices that help you reconnect with your body and breath.

Over time, you can expand your window, so more of life feels manageable.

Do you notice yourself more often in fight, flight, or freeze?

Love, Jen 🪷

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Build Secure Attachment From the Inside Out

In my self-paced Inner Child Healing Course, I guide you to meet the younger parts of you that take over when you’re triggered, and to grow the loving, wise inner parent who can care for them. Five modules, guided meditations and a workbook, with lifetime access for US$97.

Launch bonus: join by Sunday 22 November and you’re invited to a live 50-minute Q&A with me.

“For the first time, I have a sense of me being there for the younger parts of myself instead of looking to other people to make me feel safe.” E. Mellody, past student