The ‘Window of Tolerance’ is a simple yet profound way to understand how our nervous system responds to stress. Imagine it as your optimal zone of functioning. When you’re inside this window, you can think clearly, manage your emotions, and respond to the demands of life effectively.
When we’re pushed outside of our window by stress or triggers, we can become either:
- Hyper-aroused: This is the “fight or flight” response. You might feel anxious, angry, overwhelmed, or out of control.
- Hypo-aroused: This is the “freeze” response. You might feel numb, empty, shut down, or disconnected from your body.
The goal isn’t to never leave the window—life will inevitably push us. The goal is to first recognize when you’re leaving it. Are you feeling revved up or shut down? Just noticing is a powerful first step. From there, you can learn techniques (like grounding) to gently guide yourself back into your optimal zone, where healing and connection are possible. Over time, therapy can even help to widen your window, allowing you to handle more stress without becoming dysregulated.
