Each of the three arousal states can be beneficial to us. However, when we are experiencing a low or high arousal state when we need to be focused or engaged we may need to return to optimal. See how sensory input can help us regulate our arousal states.
Ever find yourself reaching for a bubbly drink when the afternoon energy slump hits, or putting on a comforting song when you're feeling down? There’s science behind why we do these things. It involves arousal states, sensory input, and the nervous system. Let’s break it down.
Arousal states are the level of alertness and activation we experience. There are three states of arousal: low, moderate and high. Each state can be helpful depending on the situation. However, a moderate arousal state is optimal for learning, completing tasks, and focusing. Learn earn more about arousal states at the link below.
We generally want to spend most of our time in a moderate arousal state, but we experience multiple arousal states throughout the day. This is only a problem when we enter a low or high arousal state when we need to be focused and engaged. The same goes for children.
Fortunately, we have a built-in way to regulate our arousal states. This is where sensory input and the nervous system come into play.
Most of us are familiar with the five senses, however, we actually have seven different sensory systems. The systems are:
These systems help us process, understand and interact with our environment. Our brain is constantly filtering through sensory input and sending it to various brain regions for processing. It also uses sensory input to activate the nervous system.
The nervous system has two main parts, the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system, also known as the “rest and digest” system, works to slow down certain responses, allowing the body to rest and repair. The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for our “fight or flight” response, speeds up our responses and increases alertness.
When we experience low arousal, the parasympathetic nervous system does its best to keep us resting, and when we experience high arousal, the sympathetic nervous system keeps us extra alert. Given this information, it’s probably not surprising that we can regulate from a high arousal state to moderate by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and do the same for a low arousal state by activating the sympathetic nervous system. And we can activate either system by using sensory experiences.
Sensory input naturally impacts arousal states. If you hear an emergency alarm, the brain activates the parasympathetic nervous system and triggers a stress response, putting us into a high arousal state. Most of the time, sensory input affects our arousal before we are consciously aware of what is happening. However, once we realize that we are experiencing low or high arousal at an inopportune time, we can deliberately use sensory input to regulate back to a moderate, optimal state.
Often, we instinctually turn to sensory input to regulate our arousal. Remember reaching for that bubbly drink to combat the afternoon energy slump? Bubbly drinks give us a boost of alertness through our gustatory senses. That tried-and-true song that has a calming effect uses our auditory senses to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This instinct to turn to sensory experiences is a tool for regulation. When we recognize this, we can more intentionally use it for managing our emotions. This is particularly helpful for children. Because their brains are still developing, they often need assistance using sensory experiences to help them regulate.
Here are a few ways we can use sensory experiences to return to that optimal, moderate arousal. Remember: for high arousal we want to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and for low arousal, we want to activate the sympathetic nervous system.
Moving from High Arousal to Moderate
Moving from Low Arousal to Moderate
There is a tight link between our senses and our arousal states. Understanding of how our senses affect our arousal states and how we can use sensory input to alter those states gives us a powerful tool for regulation.
Share with
