Resources

Window of Tolerance

Gaining a working understanding of the Window of Tolerance is the single most important thing that will help you effectively manage your stress and improve your relationships. Learning to recognize when you are outside your window of tolerance and utilizing resources to help your nervous system return to the green zone is a key component to your emotional health.

Levels of Tolerance

Hyper-Arousal

Red Zone

  • Sympathetic system is activated
  • Feeling Overwhelmed
  • Can’t think clearly
  • Rigid or Chaotic thinking
  • Anxious / Panic
  • Emotional Reactivity
  • Stress Patterns Emerge

No new learning can take place

Examples of anxious, stressed-out people in the Window of Tolerance Hyper-Arousal Red Zone
Examples of calm, happy people in the Window of Tolerance Green Zone

Window of Tolerance

Green Zone

  • Parasympathetic system is activated
  • Experience a full range of emotions but with a sense of control and options
  • State of mind is calm, alert, flexible, adaptable
  • Able to self regulate and connect with others

New learning can take place

Hypo-Arousal

Blue Zone

  • Poor contact with others
  • Isolation / Withdrawal from others
  • Numbing of emotions
  • Limited awareness of sensation
  • Hard time tracking conversation

No new learning can take place

Examples of depressed, withdrawn people in the Window of Tolerance Hypo-Arousal Blue Zone

Hyper-Arousal

Red Zone

  • Sympathetic system is activated
  • Feeling Overwhelmed
  • Can’t think clearly
  • Rigid or Chaotic thinking
  • Anxious / Panic
  • Emotional Reactivity
  • Stress Patterns Emerge

No new learning can take place

Examples of anxious, stressed-out people in the Window of Tolerance Hyper-Arousal Red Zone

Window of Tolerance

Green Zone

  • Parasympathetic system is activated
  • Experience a full range of emotions but with a sense of control and options
  • State of mind is calm, alert, flexible, adaptable
  • Able to self regulate and connect with others

New learning can take place

Examples of calm, happy people in the Window of Tolerance Green Zone

Hypo-Arousal

Blue Zone

  • Poor contact with others
  • Isolation / Withdrawal from others
  • Numbing of emotions
  • Limited awareness of sensation
  • Hard time tracking conversation

No new learning can take place

Examples of depressed, withdrawn people in the Window of Tolerance Hypo-Arousal Blue Zone

Downloadable Handouts

In-the-Moment Resources

When you are anxious or stressed, these are things you can do in the moment to help your nervous system calm down.

Window of Tolerance Handout

Use this handout to help easily understand your tolerance level and whether you are in the red zone, the green zone, or the blue zone.

Why Does Bilateral Tapping Work as a Calming Resource?

Bilateral stimulation activates each hemisphere of the brain in an alternating pattern, inhibiting the amygdala.

In-the-Moment Resources

When you are anxious or stressed, these are things you can do in the moment to help your nervous system calm down.

Window of Tolerance Handout

Use this handout to help easily understand your tolerance level and whether you are in the red zone, the green zone, or the blue zone.

Why Does Bilateral Tapping Work as a Calming Resource?

Bilateral stimulation activates each hemisphere of the brain in an alternating pattern, inhibiting the amygdala.