In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like our nervous system is constantly running on overdrive and having racing thoughts and overwhelming emotions have become the norm. But what if there was a way to gently bring yourself back to a place of peace and balance?
The art of calming your nervous system isn’t about pushing your feelings aside or forcing yourself to relax. It’s about tuning into your body’s rhythms, cultivating mindful habits, and allowing yourself to reset. In this post, I will introduce simple yet powerful strategies to soothe your nervous system and help you determine whether your nervous system is generally overstimulated.
Understanding Your Nervous System
Before we can calm our nervous system, we first need to understand it. So, what exactly is our nervous system? It consists of two main parts:
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Our CNS includes our brain, which acts as the mission control of our body, and the spinal cord, which transmits important signals to different parts of the body. The PNS includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This also includes the autonomic nervous system, which regulates functions like heartbeat and breathing. Of course, we cannot forget the two key players: the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for digestion and relaxation).
Now that we understand the different components of our nervous system, we can better grasp its function and reflect on our own well-being. Ideally, our entire system should remain in balance so that we can feel grounded and healthy. But how can we tell if our nervous system is overstimulated?
Symptoms of an Overstimulated Nervous System
An overactive nervous system can affect your body in different ways, and you can easily recognize the signs yourself. Here are five symptoms that might indicate you need to calm your nervous system:
- You have trouble sleeping: Waking up in the middle of the night without a specific reason or struggling to fall asleep at all.
- You are in a constant state of anxiety: Feeling anxious daily, even when there’s no immediate reason for it.
- You experience digestive issues: Believe it or not, your digestive system is closely linked to your nervous system. Do you often feel bloated, constipated, or nauseous?
- You frequently feel fatigued: No matter how many hours of sleep you get, you still feel exhausted and unrested.
- You are emotionally reactive: Even minor discussions or situations can trigger strong emotional reactions like crying or anger outbursts.
If you identify with some of these symptoms, your nervous system may be overstimulated, and it might be time to take action.
Find Your Inner Balance
Don’t worry, I’ve gathered five of my most effective exercises to help regulate your nervous system. Most of these have an immediate impact, and none of them take much time. I recommend incorporating them into your daily routine, especially in stressful situations.
- Breathing Exercise , 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.
- Gratitude Exercise: Take a piece of paper, your journal, or simply do this exercise in your mind. Write down at least three things you are grateful for today.
- Visualization Exercise: One of my favorite exercises: Imagine a safe and beautiful place where you feel completely secure. Describe what you see, feel, hear, or taste.
- Go for a Walk: Take 15 minutes for a short walk or simply walk barefoot on the grass to reconnect with the earth.
- Aromatherapy Exercise: Buy your favorite scent, such as an essential oil, and use a diffuser. You can also apply a body oil to your temples and forehead for relaxation.
The more you engage in these exercises and repeat them over time, the faster you’ll learn to regulate your nervous system and develop a deeper connection with your body. If you recognize many of these symptoms in yourself, it likely means your body is signaling that it needs rest and relaxation.
The good news? You have the power to influence your nervous system, whether through a simple exercise or the conscious decision to pause and listen to your body. Sometimes, even small steps can lead to significant changes.
Do you think the importance of our nervous system is often overlooked in today’s approaches to healing?
