Nurturing your nervous system
Nervous System health is my JAM. I’m not saying I’m great at it myself 😂 but I’m really great at coaching it… and that comes from being a nervous-nelly my whole life.
I lost my Dad really young. I was 2. When you are that young your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between death and abandonment so I have pretty much been in some sort of ‘survival mode’ my whole life. Combine that with going to 4 different schools in the first 5 years of my education, moving house more times than I care to remember, boarding school, and then becoming an actor (perhaps the most unstable profession imaginable) and you have an anxious kind of a girl on your hands.
When I was first diagnosed with Hashimotos in 2007 I was a wreck. My cortisol (the stress hormone) was 3x that of a normal person! I had no stress management skills and I exacerbated my issues with poor sleep hygiene, under-eating and mentally beating myself up any chance I got. To get well something had to change - and change fast.
I started with an online meditation class and then joined a group meditation on a Sunday afternoon. I found that meditating with other people and having guidance was really helpful for me. From there I have progressed through many different practices from Wim Hof to EFT and now Hypnotherapy - because as a practitioner I get to ‘practice’ quite a lot with other hypnotherapists and boy has it made a huge difference to my sleep and my resilience in the world.
An imbalanced nervous system can wreak absolute havoc on your overall well-being. The constant whirlwind of emotions, heightened stress responses and general unease can make some days feel like an uphill battle. But I don’t want you to lose hope!
In this blog post, I explore natural ways to regulate your nervous system, unlock a world of benefits and bring back the joy and ease in your life. If I can do it… so can you.
So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets to nurturing your nervous system 💗💗
The art of mindfulness and breath work.
In our hectic lives, where chaos just seems to reign, finding solace in small moments becomes critical. Embracing mindfulness practices and the art of conscious breathing does wonders for your nervous system.
I want you to start taking a few minutes each day, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and be present in the moment (it's like whispering sweet nothings to your nervous system 🤓). Mindfulness practices like, meditation or deep breathing exercises, help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. By incorporating just a few minutes of mindful breathing into your daily routine, you can create a calming effect, enhancing your overall well-being.
Nervous system calming therapies like hypnotherapy (which I can help you with) work in a different kind of fashion. Hypnotherapy works by calming the nervous system (the amygdala - the survival response) and then while that system is calmed the practitioner is able to speak to the subconscious mind to help with new thought processes, and to create new patterns in the brain. Hypnotherapy promotes particular brain wave activity that allows the mind to take in and adopt new ideas. It accesses the 'unconscious mind', which is more open to new ideas than the rational 'conscious mind'.
Trust me, this works wonders.
Restful nights = radiant Days.
Ah, sleep — the cornerstone of a healthy nervous system. It's during those blissful hours of rest that our bodies recharge, repair, and restore. To nurture your nervous system you MUST prioritise restorative sleep. A great way to do this is to establish a bulletproof nightime routine. 😴💤
Dim the lights, cosy up with a good book, indulge in a warm bath, and let go of the day's worries. Doing this gives your nervous system (and YOU) the refreshment it needs, setting the tone for energised mornings and brighter days. Adequate and restorative sleep will not only regulate your nervous system but also enhance your overall cognitive function and mood (which is always a big plus)!
Food is nourishment, food is medicine!
The food you consume throughout the day has a massive impact on your nervous system. If you know me by now, you’d know that I advocate for a whole foods focussed diet with balanced macronutrients (for the love of god please eat carbohydrates) and balanced blood sugar — one that serves as both sustenance and therapy!
Prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods as your allies in this journey. Opt for the goodness of omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, as they provide vital support to your brain and lower inflammation. Choose vibrant leafy greens, berries, and fermented foods to really nurture the relationship between your gut and brain (this plays a vital role in nervous system regulation).
Mindful Movement.
Exercise is a fantastic way to regulate the nervous system, but it's important to find activities that work for you & don’t heighten the stress response in your body - so maybe skip that HIIT workout or the long run if your nervous system needs a break. Instead, try a gentle yoga flow, a guided meditation with stretching or a leisurely stroll in nature (without music or podcasts). These activities promote relaxation, reduce stress and help balance your nervous system's response to stimuli. Did you know that just looking at trees in nature can help reduce cortisol and calm the nervous system response?? Well now you know.
Herbs and adaptogens.
Nature provides us with an array of herbs and adaptogens that can support nervous system health. Herbs like chamomile, passionflower, and lavender possess calming properties that can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Adaptogens like ashwagandha & rhodiola help the body adapt to stress and restore balance within the nervous system.
What to expect when following through on the above suggestions:
Reduced anxiety and stress levels ✅
Improved mood and emotional well-being ✅
Enhanced cognitive function and mental clarity ✅
Better sleep quality and patterns ✅
Increased resilience to life's challenges ✅
Improved digestion and gut health ✅
Sounds pretty good right?
By embracing natural approaches to regulate your nervous system, such as mindfulness, sleep prioritisation, a nourishing diet, mindful movement, and herbal support, you can transform your everyday life. Remember, a well-balanced nervous system not only improves your physical health but also brings back the joy and manageability you deserve. Trust the process, be kind to yourself.
Even with trauma, there are solutions to your nervous system activation. Please be sure to reach out if I can help you in person.
*Breathe in through your nose
*Breathe out through your mouth
Repeat after me: “I am a work in progress”
As I said, it’s my jam, because I know how tough it can be.
LM x