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