In my journey of healing from chronic anxiety, I encountered a critical aspect: understanding and nurturing my nervous system. For years, I grappled with chronic dysregulation, rooted deeply in childhood perfectionism and a tendency to prioritize others' needs over my own. When panic attacks became a frequent occurrence, I realized the urgency of prioritizing my well-being and delving into the realm of nervous system regulation. At first I was skepitcal. It felt like I had tried EVERYTHING and I didn't understand how these practices could really help ME.
Sound familiar? Well this guide may be just for you!
Understanding the Journey:
Navigating my struggles was akin to trying to comprehend a complex puzzle. Panic attacks, constant feelings of overwhelm, and a perpetual loss of control were constants. My desire for healing led me to study the intricate workings of the nervous system. I began exploring the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, understanding their pivotal roles in influencing my emotional state. To dive deeper into these branches, I elaborated on their significance in a previous blog post, offering insights into these vital components. Nervous system regulation takes time, especially when we have lived with chronic anxiety and stress for YEARS. I wanted to share these tips for beginners to help kickstart and support your journey.
Five Tips for Beginners:
Understand Your Nervous System:Â Embarking on this journey starts with understanding the nervous system's basic functions. Delve into resources that dissect its intricacies, allowing this foundational knowledge to guide your regulation practices. For instance, consider visualizing the nervous system as a network of roads. Understanding the major highways (sympathetic and parasympathetic branches) helps you navigate your emotional terrain better.
Start Small, Start Now:Â Procrastination often delays our growth. Commence your journey with small, daily practices. Engaging in mindful breathing exercises or grounding techniques is an excellent way to initiate this transformative process. For instance, commit to three minutes of deep breathing exercises each morning before starting your day.
Embrace Discomfort:Â Growth frequently emerges from discomfort. Instead of shying away from moments of unease, embrace them. View these moments as opportunities for learning and progress. For example, stepping into uncomfortable situations, such as speaking up in a meeting or trying a new activity, helps expand your comfort zone.
Consistency Over Intensity:Â Consistent engagement in regulation practices trumps sporadic intense sessions. Establish a routine that integrates these practices into your daily life. For instance, dedicate ten minutes daily to journaling or practicing mindfulness, rather than engaging in one-hour sessions sporadically.
Seek Guidance and Support:Â Exploring various resources, seeking mentorship from experts, or joining supportive communities can significantly aid your journey. Engaging with like-minded individuals fosters a sense of solidarity and shared learning. You might find joining online forums or attending workshops helpful. Engaging in discussions and sharing experiences can deepen your understanding and support network.
Kickstart Your Healing Journey:
If you're eager to delve deeper into nervous system regulation, I invite you to join me on a 10-day Nervous System Reset Challenge. This challenge comprises daily practices intertwined with scientific insights, providing comprehensive support for your regulation journey. It aims to equip you with the tools essential for sustainable change, empowering you to cultivate a life characterized by resilience and well-being.
No matter where you are in your journey, know that you are not alone. I hope these tips are helpful as you continue to explore what nervous system regulation looks like in your life.
If you haven't already, join my free anxiety & nervous system support community for helpful tips, blog posts, and support on your healing journey.
Sending love, Carly
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