The Polyvagal Theory posits that co-regulation through social behavior is a biological imperative—a need as hardwired into us as that for food or sleep.

arguably quickest way to feel safe

in your body is to borrow from someone else's nervous system and co-regulate with them who's grounded in their nervous system. So, hire a great therapist or a coach or lean into friendships where you feel truly comfortable with that person. And if you can be in contact with them physically, ask them to help you

With this basic understanding of the vagus nerve, we can explore the polyvagal theory, which says that when exposed to a threat, your nervous system will deploy a three-tiered hierarchy of responses to keep you safe, matched to the three sub-systems introduced previously. These responses are called the ventral vagal, the sympathetic and the dorsal