Understanding Your Nervous System

Through my work and personal experience, I’ve seen how stress and overwhelm can profoundly impact our lives. These feelings aren’t just in our heads—they live in our bodies and affect our minds, emotions, and even our sense of connection to the world around us. When your nervous system gets triggered, it’s like a storm rolling in: fast, intense, and often disorienting. But here’s the good news—you can learn to navigate this storm. By understanding how your nervous system works and supporting it in moments of stress, you can create a path toward healing and balance.

What Happens When Your Nervous System is Triggered

Your nervous system is an incredible design, built to keep you safe. It has two main modes:

1. The Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight-or-Flight): This kicks in when you sense danger, real or perceived. It’s your body’s alarm system, preparing you to respond by increasing your heart rate, tightening your muscles, and releasing stress hormones like cortisol.

2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System (Rest-and-Digest): This is your body’s recovery mode, where healing, digestion, and restoration happen.

When you’re triggered—whether by a looming deadline, an argument, or an overwhelming life event—your nervous system shifts into fight-or-flight. While this response is life-saving in a true emergency, our modern lives often keep us stuck in this state, creating chronic stress that impacts the body, mind, and soul.

The Toll of Chronic Stress

When your nervous system stays on high alert for too long, you might notice:

• Physical symptoms: Tension headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, or a racing heart.

• Emotional distress: Anxiety, irritability, or feeling "on edge."

• Cognitive changes: Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or feeling scattered.

• Spiritual disconnection: A sense of emptiness, lack of purpose, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others.

This state can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember: your nervous system isn’t broken. It’s just doing its best to protect you. With gentle support, you can help it return to balance.

Recognizing When You’re Triggered

The first step in healing is awareness. Begin by noticing the signs that your nervous system is activated. These might include:

• A tight chest or shallow breathing.

• Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating.

• An urge to escape, whether through scrolling, eating, or avoiding responsibilities.

• Feeling stuck or frozen, like you can’t take action.

When you notice these signals, pause. Simply naming what you’re experiencing—“I’m feeling overwhelmed” or “I’m in fight-or-flight”—can create a powerful shift. Awareness is the doorway to change.

Supporting Your Nervous System

Once you’ve recognized that your nervous system is triggered, here are some ways to support it:

1. Breathe Deeply
   Slow, deep breaths are one of the fastest ways to calm your nervous system. Try inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for six. This signals to your body that you’re safe.

2. Move Your Body
   Physical activity helps discharge the energy of fight-or-flight. Stretch, go for a walk, or even shake your hands and feet to release tension.

3. Ground Yourself
   Bring your attention to the present moment by engaging your senses. Notice the feel of your feet on the ground, the texture of something you’re holding, or the sounds around you.

4. Connect with Nature
   Spending time outside can regulate your nervous system and help you feel more centered. Even a few minutes of fresh air or sunlight can make a difference.

5. Practice Self-Compassion
   Speak to yourself with kindness. Instead of judging your stress response, remind yourself that it’s a natural reaction to feeling overwhelmed.

6. Seek Connection
   Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can soothe your nervous system. Human connection is a powerful antidote to stress.

The Role of Healing in Your Journey

Stress and overwhelm don’t just affect the moment—they accumulate in your nervous system over time. That’s why healing is so important. In my practice, I use an integrative approach that combines mindfulness, body awareness, paired with altered states of consciousness to release stuck energy and restore balance. Healing isn’t about never feeling triggered. It’s about learning to respond with curiosity and care when stress arises. Over time, you’ll build resilience, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges without losing your sense of calm and connection.

You Are Not Alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, take a moment to breathe. Place a hand on your heart, and remind yourself that you’re not alone. Your nervous system is trying to protect you, and with the right support, you can help it find peace. Remember, healing is a journey, not a destination. Be gentle with yourself along the way. You are capable of creating a life that feels balanced, connected, and truly your own.