Why moving helps: a polyvagal-informed way for teens to talk about feelings
Ask a teenager “how do you feel?” and you might get a shrug. Not because they don’t care. Often, the words just aren’t there yet.
Moving a figure along a track can say what words can’t. Here are five reasons it helps, and a simple way to try it at home, in school or in a session.
In this article
- First, what is the track?
- Learning by moving
- Seeing it makes it real
- Hands-on suits more young people
- Easier to say, easier to share
- Something to use in real life
- Try it: a 10-minute start
First, what is the track?
The Polyvagal Teen Track® is a fold-out board with three paths:
- Yellow: safe and social. Relaxed and connected.
- Red: mobilised. Ready to fight or run.
- Blue: immobilised. Shut down.
It is polyvagal-informed. It shows the states of our nervous system, and how we move between them. Moving between states is normal. We all do it, many times a day.
1. Learning by moving
When teens move a marker, figure or card along the track, they learn with their body, not just their ears. This is called kinaesthetic learning.
It helps them link what their body feels with what they think and feel.
2. Seeing it makes it real
“Nervous system states” can sound like a science lesson. The track turns them into something you can see.
Teens can see where they are, where they were, and where they want to get to.
3. Hands-on suits more young people
Some young people learn best by touching, sorting and placing. This is true for many neurodivergent teens.
The track gives another way in. No need to sit still and talk face to face.
4. Easier to say, easier to share
Pointing is easier than explaining. A teen can put a figure on red and say “I was here”. The adult understands straight away.
It opens up talk with parents, carers, teachers and friends.
5. Something to use in real life
Once teens know the track, they can picture it anywhere. “I’m on red. What helps me get back to yellow?”
That’s a skill for exams, arguments, friendships and busy days.
Try it: a 10-minute start
- Lay the track flat between you.
- Ask: “Where were you this morning?” Let them place a figure.
- Ask: “Where are you now?” Move it.
- Ask: “What helped you move?” Listen. There are no wrong answers.
This is just one way. There are lots of ways to use it.
The What’s Your State? Toolbag
The track comes with matching picture cards. One card in each pair has body sensations on the back. The other has more words for the same behaviour.
£29.99, free UK postage. The What’s My State? cards and track also come free with pay in full on Finding My Steady for Families and Parents.
See the toolbag and how to use it