Anxiety, Overwhelm, and the Nervous System: A Gentle Guide to Polyvagal Theory

Anxiety can feel like racing thoughts, a pounding heart, or even a sense of shutting down completely. But what if these experiences aren’t personal flaws? What if they’re your nervous system working to protect you?

In this episode of Wisdom for Wellbeing, Dr. Kaitlin N. Harkess introduces a compassionate, body-based way of understanding anxiety through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. Together, we’ll explore how your nervous system shifts between states of safety, fight-or-flight, and shutdown; and why awareness of these shifts is the first step toward resilience.

You’ll also be guided through a gentle grounding practice and learn everyday strategies to support your nervous system, from breathwork and movement to co-regulation and lifestyle anchors inspired by yoga philosophy.

Whether you’ve experienced anxiety personally, support others in your work, or simply want to better understand your own body’s wisdom, this episode offers practical tools and compassionate insights to help you navigate overwhelm with greater ease.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why anxiety is a protective nervous system response, not a flaw

• The basics of the autonomic nervous system: fight, flight, freeze, and rest

• How Polyvagal Theory explains three key states: ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal

• A guided reflection to notice and shift your state in the moment

• Practical strategies to regulate and build resilience: breath, movement, connection, and lifestyle anchors

📖 Mentioned in this episode: The Somatic Workbook — pre-order now!

💌 Stay connected with Kaitlin:

• Website: drkaitlin.com

• Instagram: @drkaitlin