Nervous system regulation has become a popular topic in sports performance, but what does it actually mean, and how do you know if you have achieved it? According to nervous system coach, licensed trauma therapist, and former D1 athlete Emily Perrin, true regulation isn't about being calm 100% of the time; it’s about building a flexible mind-body system that has the capacity to navigate stress and return to balance.
In this episode, Perrin joins hosts Andrew Rizza and Dr. Cameron Roth to discuss the science behind the autonomic nervous system and explain why it plays a central role in athletic performance, injury recovery, resilience, and mental health.
Perrin unpacks how trauma can shape an athlete's performance, the powerful influence parents and coaches have on an athlete's nervous system, and why youth sports' obsession with winning and pay-to-play models may be doing lasting harm to young athletes. She also shares practical strategies athletes can use to better navigate pressure, anxiety, and recovery.
MEET THE GUEST
Emily Perrin, LCSW-C
- CEO & Founder, Perrin Wellness & Performance
- Co-Founder, The Unbroken Athlete
- Nervous System & Performance Coach and Licensed Clinical Trauma Therapist
TOPICS DISCUSSED
- What nervous system regulation really means for athletes
- Building resilience through regulation, relationships, and resources
- The connection between trauma, recovery, and sports performance
- How youth sports culture shapes athlete wellbeing
- The influence of parents and coaches on nervous system regulation
- Creating healthier environments for long-term athletic development
- Practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and performance pressure
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Introduction to Emily Perrin
00:54 – What Is Nervous System Regulation?
03:40 – Sponsor: Beck Bode
04:07 – Connecting Nervous System Regulation to Sports Performance
07:40 – Simple Strategies to Help Athletes Regulate Their Nervous Systems
10:58 – What Does Resilience Actually Mean?
13:08 – Understanding Trauma Within the Context of Sport
16:24 – How Sports Environments Create Stress and Unhealthy Coping Patterns
21:03 – Maintaining Competitive Excellence While Prioritizing Wellbeing
24:01 – The Role of Team Culture in Athlete Wellbeing
29:12 – Co-Regulation in Coaching and Parenting
32:59 – Advice for Parents Supporting Young Athletes Under Pressure
38:38 – Lightning Round: The Power of the Pause, Sleep Hygiene & Favorite Books
45:20 – A Message for Athletes Struggling with Stress and Anxiety
QUOTES:
06:07 - “I think in sport, we have for a very long time treated the physical — technical, tactical conditioning, speed, agility training — separate from the mental and emotional side of sport. And the reality is we just don't work that way.”
45:50 - “I think the biggest myth that we've sold athletes is that, again, being mentally tough, being resilient, is getting to this place where you never struggle with things, you never get anxious, you never get to a place where you're overwhelmed, and that just couldn't be farther from the truth.”
LINKS
Emily Perrin - https://www.instagram.com/former.athlete.therapist
Perrin Wellness & Performance - https://www.perrinwellnessperformance.com
The Unbroken Athlete - https://www.theunbrokenathlete.com
RELATED EPISODES
Stop Blaming Her Hormones — The Real Cause of ACL Injuries in Female Athletes - https://youtu.be/Eb2Dm9xzfZg?si=DDCgGbA2m-318vne
SPONSOR
- Beck Bode is a fee-only fiduciary firm that builds personalized roadmaps to keep your money aligned with your life goals. See what real planning looks like at https://beckbode.com
DISCLAIMER
The opinions presented on Behind the Sports Medicine are those of the host and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions or partners. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making any health or treatment decisions. Behind the Sports Medicine and its affiliates assume no liability for the accuracy or application of the information discussed.
#NervousSystemRegulation #AthleteWellbeing #YouthSportsCulture #SportsPsychology #MentalHealthInSports
