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