In the journey of trauma recovery, calming the nervous system is not just a luxury—it is a necessity. Trauma, especially unresolved or chronic trauma, alters the body and mind in fundamental ways. For many individuals navigating substance abuse recovery or inpatient mental health treatment, these changes often manifest as chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness. This is where polyvagal exercises come into play. At Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, we use a trauma-informed care model that incorporates polyvagal theory