Modern understanding of coaching increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many coaching presentations.
The Nervous System in Coaching
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to coaching:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type coaching
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by coaching
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type coaching
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Coaching
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Coaching
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving coaching
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in coaching