Resources & Further Learning
Curated books, research, and resources to deepen your understanding of nervous system regulation and continue your learning journey.
Deepen Your Understanding
The modules in this course provide a comprehensive foundation. These resources will help you go deeper into specific areas.
The field of nervous system regulation sits at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, somatic therapy, and trauma research. The resources below represent the most important and accessible works in each area. They are organized by category to help you find what is most relevant to your current stage of learning.
Essential Reading
The Body Keeps the Score
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
The foundational text on how trauma reshapes the body and brain. Essential reading for understanding why body-based approaches are necessary for healing.
The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy
Deb Dana
The most accessible guide to applying Polyvagal Theory in practice. Deb Dana translates Stephen Porges' research into practical frameworks for understanding autonomic states.
Anchored
Deb Dana
A practical workbook for finding calm and building resilience through Polyvagal Theory. Excellent for self-guided nervous system regulation work.
Waking the Tiger
Dr. Peter Levine
The pioneering work on Somatic Experiencing — understanding how the body holds and releases trauma. Introduces the concept of completing the stress response cycle.
The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory
Dr. Stephen Porges
Written by the creator of Polyvagal Theory himself. More technical than Deb Dana's work but provides the deepest understanding of the science.
In an Unspoken Voice
Dr. Peter Levine
A deeper dive into how the body processes trauma and how somatic approaches facilitate healing. Combines personal narrative with clinical insight.
The Myth of Normal
Dr. Gabor Maté
A comprehensive examination of how modern culture creates chronic stress and disconnection, and how healing requires addressing the whole system — body, mind, and environment.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
An accessible guide to understanding and completing the stress response cycle. Particularly relevant for high performers stuck in chronic activation.
Key Research & Science
Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation
Dr. Stephen Porges (2011)
The comprehensive academic text on Polyvagal Theory. Dense but essential for those who want to understand the full scientific framework.
Heart Rate Variability: Standards of Measurement, Physiological Interpretation, and Clinical Use
Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology
The foundational paper on HRV measurement and its relationship to autonomic function. Essential for understanding the biomarker of vagal tone.
Brief Structured Respiration Practices Enhance Mood and Reduce Physiological Arousal
Huberman Lab, Stanford (2023)
The landmark study demonstrating that the physiological sigh (cyclic sighing) is more effective than mindfulness meditation for reducing anxiety and improving mood.
Neuroplasticity and Clinical Practice: Building Brain Power for Health
Joyce Shaffer (2016)
A comprehensive review of neuroplasticity research and its applications for health and recovery. Supports the scientific basis for regulation practice.
Podcasts & Audio
Huberman Lab Podcast
Dr. Andrew Huberman
Stanford neuroscientist covering the science of breathing, stress, sleep, and nervous system regulation. Evidence-based and deeply practical.
The Polyvagal Podcast
Deb Dana & Justin Sunseri
Dedicated to making Polyvagal Theory accessible and practical. Covers autonomic states, co-regulation, and real-world application.
The Wisdom of Trauma
Dr. Gabor Maté (Documentary)
A powerful documentary exploring how trauma shapes us and how healing is possible. Available online and provides an accessible entry point to trauma-informed thinking.
Sounds True: Insights at the Edge
Tami Simon
Long-form interviews with leading researchers and practitioners in trauma, somatic therapy, and nervous system regulation.
Measurement & Tracking Tools
Tracking your nervous system regulation progress provides objective data to complement your subjective experience. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is the gold standard biomarker for autonomic health.
HRV Tracking Devices
Wearable Technology
Devices like the Oura Ring, WHOOP, Apple Watch, and Garmin watches can track HRV over time. Look for resting HRV trends rather than single readings. Consistent upward trends indicate improving vagal tone.
Breathwork Apps
Digital Tools
Apps like Othership, Breathwrk, and the built-in breathing exercises on Apple Watch and Fitbit can guide your daily breathwork practice and help maintain consistency.
Journaling Practice
Self-Reflection
A simple daily journal tracking your autonomic state (1-10), primary emotions, physical sensations, and regulation practices used. Over time, patterns emerge that inform your regulation strategy.
Body Mapping
Somatic Awareness
A practice of drawing or noting where you feel sensations in your body during different emotional states. Builds interoceptive awareness — the foundation of body-based regulation.
Work With Jen Guidry
Ready to Go Deeper?
This teaching module provides the knowledge foundation. But knowledge alone does not create transformation — application does. If you are ready to move beyond understanding and into real, lasting change, The High Level Life Method offers guided implementation of The Peace Protocol with direct support.
The High Level Life
Comprehensive nervous system recalibration through The Peace Protocol. For high performers ready to stop managing symptoms and start reorganizing how they live, lead, and relate.
thehighlevellife.comSA Pain Relief
Cellular-level healing for pain, anxiety, and inflammation. Based on the same nervous system principles applied to physical healing and recovery.
sapainrelief.comModule 8 Key Takeaways
Continue deepening your understanding through the recommended books, research, and podcasts.
Track your progress using HRV monitoring, journaling, and body mapping practices.
Knowledge is the foundation — but transformation requires consistent application and practice.
Consider working with a qualified practitioner for guided implementation of nervous system regulation.
The field is constantly evolving — stay curious and continue learning.
Go Deeper
This module is part of the knowledge foundation. When you are ready to move from understanding to guided implementation, The High Level Life Method provides the structure, support, and expertise to transform what you have learned into lasting change.
Learn more at The High Level Life