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