Why Nervous System Regulation Matters More Than You Think
We’re living in a world that’s constantly overstimulating—and many of us don’t even realize just how dysregulated we are until we crash. From inbox anxiety to hustle culture and chronic stress, our nervous systems are working overtime trying to keep us safe in a world that rarely slows down.
In this episode of Sessions for the Soul, we dive deep into the role the nervous system plays in our overall well-being—and why healing it isn’t just about us. It’s about everyone we’re connected to.
Understanding the Nervous System
At its core, your nervous system is your body’s built-in survival mechanism. It shifts between two main states:
Sympathetic (fight/flight): Mobilizes you for action in response to perceived danger.
Parasympathetic (rest/digest): Helps you slow down, restore, and feel safe.
While the fight-or-flight response is often associated with major traumas, it can also be triggered by daily micro-stressors—like conflict, unexpected emails, or even scrolling social media.
When these stressors become chronic, your baseline shifts. What should be occasional becomes constant. And that’s when dysregulation settles in.
Big T vs. Little t Trauma
A helpful way to understand trauma is to look at the distinction between:
Big T Trauma: Major, life-altering events—abuse, assault, serious accidents.
Little t trauma: Subtle but cumulative experiences—repeated rejection, being shamed, constant pressure to perform.
Both types can lead to nervous system dysregulation, even if the symptoms show up differently. For some, that might look like panic attacks or burnout. For others, it may show up as dissociation, people-pleasing, chronic fatigue, or emotional reactivity.
The Cultural Layer: We’re Praised for Being Burnt Out
One of the most damaging factors? We live in a world that rewards dysregulation.
We’re praised for “doing it all,” skipping rest, pushing through, and being “productive.” Rest is often viewed as a reward instead of a basic human need. And many people—especially parents—feel guilt for taking time to simply slow down.
This cultural conditioning keeps us stuck in survival mode.
Common Trauma Responses (That Might Be Running Your Life)
You’ve likely heard of fight or flight, but there are two more nervous system responses worth knowing:
Freeze: Shutting down, numbness, dissociation.
Fawn: People-pleasing, over-accommodating, caretaking to maintain peace.
These responses are often automatic and deeply wired by past experiences. What’s powerful is that once you recognize them, you can begin to shift them.
You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
The good news? Your nervous system is adaptable.
With consistent support and tools, it is absolutely possible to shift your baseline, build greater resilience, and live from a place of peace instead of constant protection.
Here are a few ways to start:
1. Practice Embodied Check-Ins
Ask yourself throughout the day: How am I breathing? How am I holding my body? Soften the places where you’re holding tension—your jaw, shoulders, chest. Small moments of reconnection add up.
2. Use Grounding Techniques
If you feel yourself disconnecting or spiraling, orient to your environment. Name things you see, touch your surroundings, feel your feet on the floor. This helps bring you back into your body.
3. Limit Overstimulation
Our phones, for example, are often used to sedate our nervous systems. Social media gives us dopamine hits, but it also creates disconnection. Use tech mindfully—and don’t be afraid to unplug when needed.
4. Hold Compassion for Your Story
Your responses are not random. They are shaped by your past and your environment. And they were probably the best your body could do at the time. That’s not a flaw—it’s wisdom.
Nervous System Healing Isn’t Just for You
Whether you're a parent, partner, friend, or team member—your nervous system impacts others. When you regulate, you ripple healing outward. You model calm, compassion, and responsiveness instead of reactivity.
And that? That changes everything.
Ready to dive deeper?
Listen to the full podcast episode to deepen your understanding of the way your nervous system is impacting the way you show up in your life and relationships.
Want support on your journey to nervous system healing? I offer 1:1 coaching and practical resources to help you reconnect with your body, build resilience, and create lasting change.
