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