Nervous System Quiz | Deeply Simple

Overview

This quiz is loosely inspired by Polyvagal Theory, a nuanced framework developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. The quiz offers a simplified way to explore how we might respond to stress — but human nervous systems are beautifully complex, and no quiz can fully capture your unique experience. This tool is intended as a light, interactive reflection — not a diagnostic. For deeper understanding or healing, working with a trained professional is always recommended.

Instructions

You may find that more than one answer feels true — that's completely normal. Our nervous systems are dynamic, and we often shift between different patterns depending on the situation.

However, for the purposes of this quiz, we encourage you to select the option that feels even slightly more familiar or frequent for you. This helps create a clearer snapshot of your nervous system tendencies and ensures more useful insights in your results.

There are no right or wrong answers. This quiz is a starting point for greater awareness, curiosity, and self-connection.

The Quiz

When I'm under pressure or overwhelmed, my first instinct is to:

A) Snap, get defensive, confront it head on, might get frustrated

B) Rush through things, over-schedule, multi-task, feel anxious

C) Go quiet, want to hide and shut down

D) Try to make sure everyone involved is okay and happy

E) Pause, breathe, and respond intentionally

In my body during periods of conflict or stress, I often notice:

A) Heat, tension, clenched jaw or fists, anger or irritation

B) Restlessness, racing heart or breath, can’t sit still, anxiety

C) Foggy mind and sluggish movements

D) Quiet voice, tight chest, feeling small

E) Relaxed shoulders, steady breath

When I feel stressed in relationships, I tend to:

A) Argue, control, or try to prove myself

B) Avoid the situation and withdraw. I would rather not talk about it

C) I want to talk but instead shut down and lose my words. I feel frozen and disconnected

D) Focus on keeping peace, often at the expense of my needs

E) Communicate openly, kindly and clearly - staying open to resolution

When it's time to slow down I usually:

A) Resist it and feel impatient - it's important to always be productive. There's always something to achieve

B) Struggle with uneasiness or guilt — resting makes me feel anxious, like I should be doing something.

C) Feel disconnected or numb — rest doesn’t feel soothing; it can sometimes feel like sinking deeper

D) Find myself worrying about others’ needs — my own needs don't even come to mind right away

E) Welcome the rest and allow my body to reset. I feel comfortable in this state

When things don’t go the way I want, I usually...

A) Feel frustrated or angry and try to argue, push harder, or take control

B) Feel anxious or jittery/ uncomfortable and want to distract myself, leave, or move on quickly

C) Feel stuck, numb, or helpless — like it’s pointless to try

D) I tell myself it doesn’t matter and shift my attention to what others want

E) Feel flexible — I can adjust, stay present, and work with the situation

Name

Email

What's your nervous system's state under stress?