The sympathetic state

The sympathetic state is a state of mobilization and readiness for action. When faced with a threat or a difficulty, the nervous system passes into this state; energy rises and the body prepares to fight or to flee. In the polyvagal hierarchy this state lies between being safe and shutting down. Sympathetic activation is natural; the problem is becoming stuck in this state. This state is the face of the body that mobilizes against danger.