Resources
Window of Tolerance
Gaining a working understanding of the Window of Tolerance is the single most important thing that will help you effectively manage your stress and improve your relationships. Learning to recognize when you are outside your window of tolerance and utilizing resources to help your nervous system return to the green zone is a key component to your emotional health.
Levels of Tolerance
Hyper-Arousal
Red Zone
- Sympathetic system is activated
- Feeling Overwhelmed
- Can’t think clearly
- Rigid or Chaotic thinking
- Anxious / Panic
- Emotional Reactivity
- Stress Patterns Emerge
No new learning can take place
Window of Tolerance
Green Zone
- Parasympathetic system is activated
- Experience a full range of emotions but with a sense of control and options
- State of mind is calm, alert, flexible, adaptable
- Able to self regulate and connect with others
New learning can take place
Hypo-Arousal
Blue Zone
- Poor contact with others
- Isolation / Withdrawal from others
- Numbing of emotions
- Limited awareness of sensation
- Hard time tracking conversation
No new learning can take place
Hyper-Arousal
Red Zone
- Sympathetic system is activated
- Feeling Overwhelmed
- Can’t think clearly
- Rigid or Chaotic thinking
- Anxious / Panic
- Emotional Reactivity
- Stress Patterns Emerge
No new learning can take place
Window of Tolerance
Green Zone
- Parasympathetic system is activated
- Experience a full range of emotions but with a sense of control and options
- State of mind is calm, alert, flexible, adaptable
- Able to self regulate and connect with others
New learning can take place
Hypo-Arousal
Blue Zone
- Poor contact with others
- Isolation / Withdrawal from others
- Numbing of emotions
- Limited awareness of sensation
- Hard time tracking conversation
No new learning can take place
Downloadable Handouts
In-the-Moment Resources
When you are anxious or stressed, these are things you can do in the moment to help your nervous system calm down.
Window of Tolerance Handout
Use this handout to help easily understand your tolerance level and whether you are in the red zone, the green zone, or the blue zone.
Why Does Bilateral Tapping Work as a Calming Resource?
Bilateral stimulation activates each hemisphere of the brain in an alternating pattern, inhibiting the amygdala.
In-the-Moment Resources
When you are anxious or stressed, these are things you can do in the moment to help your nervous system calm down.
Window of Tolerance Handout
Use this handout to help easily understand your tolerance level and whether you are in the red zone, the green zone, or the blue zone.
Why Does Bilateral Tapping Work as a Calming Resource?
Bilateral stimulation activates each hemisphere of the brain in an alternating pattern, inhibiting the amygdala.
