Episode 75: Emily Perrin - Why Nervous System Regulation Is Sports Performance's Most Misunderstood Tool

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 GUESTEmily Perrin, LCSW-CCEO & Founder, Perrin Wellness & PerformanceCo-Founder, The Unbroken Athlete Nervous System & Performance Coach and Licensed Clinical Trauma TherapistTOPICS DISCUSSEDWhat nervous system regulation really means for athletesBuilding resilience through regulation, relationships, and resourcesThe connection between trauma, recovery, and sports performanceHow youth sports culture shapes athlete wellbeingThe influence of parents and coaches on nervous system regulationCreating healthier environments for long-term athletic developmentPractical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and performance pressureHIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Introduction to Emily Perrin00:54 – What Is Nervous System Regulation?03:40 – Sponsor: Beck Bode04:07 – Connecting Nervous System Regulation to Sports Performance07:40 – Simple Strategies to Help Athletes Regulate Their Nervous Systems 10:58 – What Does Resilience Actually Mean? 13:08 – Understanding Trauma Within the Context of Sport16:24 – How Sports Environments Create Stress and Unhealthy Coping Patterns21:03 – Maintaining Competitive Excellence While Prioritizing Wellbeing 24:01 – The Role of Team Culture in Athlete Wellbeing29:12 – Co-Regulation in Coaching and Parenting 32:59 – Advice for Parents Supporting Young Athletes Under Pressure38:38 – Lightning Round: The Power of the Pause, Sleep Hygiene & Favorite Books45:20 – A Message for Athletes Struggling with Stress and AnxietyQUOTES: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.comThe Unbroken Athlete - https://www.theunbrokenathlete.com RELATED EPISODESStop Blaming Her Hormones — The Real Cause of ACL Injuries in Female Athletes - https://youtu.be/Eb2Dm9xzfZg?si=DDCgGbA2m-318vne SPONSORBeck 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.comDISCLAIMER 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