Focus on This One Thing to Start Feeling Healthier and Happier
If I could give you just one piece of advice for feeling healthier, happier, calmer, and more in control of your life, it’s this: focus on your nervous system.
Your nervous system isn’t just a part of you—it’s the director of everything you experience. It determines how your body responds to stress, rest, digestion, energy, emotions, and so much more. When it’s balanced, life flows more smoothly. But when it’s out of sync? Everything feels harder.
Think of your nervous system as the director of your body and mind. When it’s regulated, you’re better equipped to handle stress, recover quickly, and stay grounded. When it’s dysregulated, it’s like trying to perform a play with a director who’s walked off the stage—the cast (your body’s systems) is left guessing, often overreacting or freezing entirely.
What Does a Balanced Nervous System Look Like?
Let’s clear something up: having a regulated nervous system doesn’t mean being calm all the time. Life is full of ups and downs, and your nervous system is designed to ride those waves. The key is its ability to adapt—activating when needed and returning to balance afterward.
When your nervous system is in balance:
You can focus and think clearly, even under stress.
Your digestion works properly because your body isn’t stuck in fight-or-flight mode.
You feel energized during the day and can wind down when it’s time to rest.
You feel emotionally steady, even when life throws challenges your way.
It’s not about avoiding stress but about how well you recover from it.
When the “Director” Loses Control
When your nervous system is dysregulated, everything feels harder. Your body and mind are left in overdrive, stuck in survival mode and struggling to find balance.
Here’s how it might show up:
Feeling anxious or on edge all the time.
Struggling to unwind, even after a long day.
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected, like you’re just going through the motions.
Experiencing digestive issues like bloating or cramping.
Feeling exhausted no matter how much rest you get.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. We live in a world that constantly demands more—more productivity, more connectivity, more of everything—leaving little room for rest and recovery. It’s no wonder so many of us feel stuck in this cycle.
The good news? There are ways to gently guide your nervous system back into balance. With a few intentional practices, you can help your body feel safe again, allowing it to reset and function the way it’s meant to.
Simple Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System
Bringing your nervous system back into balance doesn’t require massive life changes—small, intentional shifts can make a big difference. Here’s where to start:
Breathe With Intention
Try slow, rhythmic breathing to calm your nervous system. Inhale for 4-5 seconds, hold for a moment, and exhale for 6-8 seconds. This activates your vagus nerve and helps your body shift into a state of calm.Create “Opening Hours” for Technology
Checking your phone first thing in the morning or right before bed can overwhelm your nervous system with stimulation. Set “opening hours” for being online, especially in the mornings and evenings, to give your brain time to reset.Be Intentional With Caffeine
If you know me, you know I love a good cup of coffee. But being intentional with when and how you consume stimulants can make a huge difference. Try waiting 30 minutes after waking before your first coffee and switch to decaf or another alternative in the afternoon to avoid overstimulating your system.Practice Gentle Movement
Rhythmic, mindful movement—like stretching, walking, or light yoga—helps release tension and brings your body back into balance. Even five minutes can make a difference.Cool Down With Cold Water (or Take the Plunge!)
Cold exposure is a powerful way to calm your nervous system and reset your body. Start small by splashing cold water on your face, taking a cold shower, or holding an ice cube against your skin for 30 seconds. If you’re ready to take it further, try an ice bath. Immersing yourself in cold water for a few minutes can activate your vagus nerve, lower your heart rate, and create a deeply calming effect.Use Your Voice
Humming, singing, or even gargling can stimulate the vagus nerve, helping your body relax. Focus on the vibrations in your throat for an added calming effect.Stop Multitasking
Your nervous system thrives on focus, not chaos. Multitasking may seem productive, but it often leaves you feeling scattered and drained. Focus on one thing at a time to give your system space to breathe.Ask Yourself, “Am I Safe Right Now?”
When stress or overwhelm creeps in, pause and check in with yourself. Most of the time, the answer is yes, and reminding your body of this can help bring you back to the present.
When Self-Help Isn’t Enough
If your nervous system has been stuck in survival mode for a long time, self-help tools might not be enough. That’s where deeper, tailored support comes in.
In my work, I create a safe space for you to reconnect with your body and mind. Using trauma-informed yoga, somatic techniques, and polyvagal-informed approaches, we’ll address the root causes of dysregulation and build tools that work for your unique needs.
This isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about empowering your nervous system to find balance and resilience.
Why This Matters
When your nervous system is regulated, everything changes. Stress becomes manageable, rest becomes truly restorative, and you have the energy to show up fully for what matters most.
You can do all the “right” things—eat well, exercise, meditate—but if your nervous system is stuck in survival mode, you won’t feel the benefits. That’s why focusing on nervous system regulation is the one thing that can make all the difference. It’s the foundation for feeling healthier, happier, and more in control of your life.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into this work and explore how personalized support can help you regulate your nervous system and create a stronger, more balanced foundation for your wellbeing, send me a message or book a session. Together, we’ll create a plan tailored to your unique needs, helping you build balance, resilience, and true wellbeing.