Come up from shutdown

When you are numb or foggy below the window, use stimulation to bring energy back up.

Why it works

Hypoarousal is a low-energy, dorsal-shutdown state where soothing makes things worse — you need gentle activation, not more calm. Movement, sensory stimulation, and connection raise arousal back toward the window, restoring the alertness needed to engage.

How to do it

1. Notice the numb, heavy, checked-out signs of being under the window.
2. Add gentle activation: stand and move, cold water on the face, brisk sensory input.
3. Reach for connection or an engaging task to lift energy rather than rest into the fog.

Evidence

The hypoarousal/shutdown distinction comes from polyvagal-informed clinical models; the use of movement and sensory stimulation to raise low arousal is consistent with arousal-regulation theory and clinical practice. (mechanistic)

The dorsal-shutdown framing draws on polyvagal theory, parts of which remain debated; the practical move of gently activating out of numbness is the reliable part.

Common mistake

Trying to "relax" out of a shutdown state, which deepens it. Numbness needs gentle stimulation, not more soothing.