The Thayer Matrix, based on the work of pioneering neuroscientist Robert Thayer, is one of the key scientific underpinnings of Shanker Self-Reg®. It helps us understand the relationship between stress, energy and tension. Every day our brains and bodies are subject to constantly shifting states of arousal, which Dr. Thayer defined in terms of four possible combinations of energy and tension:
- Low energy/low tension: good for sleep and relaxation
- High energy/high tension: good for physical and mental challenges (sports, getting away from threats, major mental challenges)
- High energy/low tension: alert, yet relaxed state ideal for most daily activities
- Low energy/high tension: feeling stressed out: irritable, distractible, and lack of energy for doing the tasks at hand
This Blank version of the Thayer Matrix can be used as a teaching or personal reflection tool to help people develop a deeper understanding of energy and tension states and how they affect ourselves and those around us.
