Stuck in Fight or Flight? Let’s find our calm together
Hi Friend!
Curious about the buzz surrounding nervous system regulation? Wondering if your own nervous system could use some TLC? You're not alone! Your nervous system is crucial to your overall well-being, and when it's off, even simple tasks can feel like climbing mountains.
Imagine you’re trying to focus on your meal's fiber content, but your brain's stuck in survival mode, convinced a bear is lurking nearby. Sound familiar? Welcome to the world of fight or flight.
Being stuck in this mode means your nervous system perceives danger everywhere, whether it's from past traumas or current stresses. Your subconscious is the culprit here, running the show for a whopping 95% of your day.
Understanding the Fight or Flight Response
Let’s break it down. When threatened, your nervous system flips the switch to high alert. Whether it's stress from your environment or past experiences haunting you, your body reacts as if a bear is hot on your heels.
Remember being bullied in school? Even years later, your subconscious keeps the memory alive, making social situations feel like battlegrounds. There's no healing in this state and it forces your nervous system into a freeze state.
Today's stressors can wreak havoc too. Your brain can't tell the difference between a looming deadline and a bear attack, so it floods your system with cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol is a double-edged sword. It's great for dodging cars and acing presentations, but when stress becomes chronic, it hijacks your "rest and digest" mode, leaving you perpetually on edge.
Living in constant survival mode isn't just uncomfortable; it's downright unhealthy. Your body's neglected maintenance tasks start piling up, leading to gut issues, fatigue, chronic aches and pains and hormonal imbalances.
It's a vicious cycle: nervous system chaos worsens these issues, and vice versa. Talk about crossed wires.
Signs You’re Stuck in Fight or Flight and How to Cope
Check the signs:
Can't Relax: When was the last time you felt truly at ease? If it's a distant memory, your nervous system might be calling the shots.
Hair-Trigger Temper: Small annoyances sending you over the edge? Your nervous system's feeling the pressure.
Unexplained Fatigue: Even with plenty of sleep, you're running on empty. It's like your body's stuck in first gear.
Gut Troubles: Digestive distress making life miserable? Your nervous system's lending a hand.
Hormonal Havoc: Low energy, wonky digestion, and mood swings? Blame it on fight or flight.
Ready to reclaim your calm? Try these tricks:
Breathe Deep: Simple yet powerful, deep breathing flips the switch to relaxation mode. Try alternate nostril or box breathing for quick relief.
Chill Out: Cold therapy isn't just for polar bears; it's a nervous system superhero. Dive into cold showers or ice baths to soothe your frazzled nerves.
Mind-Body Movement: Exercise with mindfulness to dial down the stress.
Nature's Embrace: Grounding in nature lets Earth's energy work its magic. Kick off your shoes and soak up the good vibes.
Boundaries, Baby: Set healthy boundaries to ease the stress load. You're worth it
Resources I've Loved
1. For more techniques and strategies on regulating your nervous system, I highly recommend "Nervous System Regulation w/ Irene Lyon" from the Therapy Chat podcast.
2. Human Garage is a great website to visit as well! Discover effective strategies for overcoming trauma responses and delve into the benefits of somatic movement somatic movement as well.
Remember, it's all about finding balance, inside and out . Here's to a harmonious nervous system and taking the time to prioritize YOU.
With Warmth and Gratitude,
Maddie
