Feeling anxious all the time is not only exhausting, but can also affect all aspects of your life, from work to personal relationships. If you find yourself constantly on edge, always looking over your shoulder, and unable to relax, it might be time to try nervous system regulation.
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It can show up as persistent nervousness, racing thoughts, and a constant state of fear - even when there’s no immediate threat. This ongoing state of hyper-arousal can often be traced back to chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation.
Persistent worry and fear
Rapid heart rate or palpitations
Sweating and trembling
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep disturbances
Irritability and restlessness
Muscle tension
Chronic stress, traumatic experiences, and even daily life pressures can lead to a buildup of unprocessed stress in your body. This stress gets stored in the nervous system, causing it to remain in a heightened state of alert. Over time, this leads to what we call allostatic load, which is the accumulated stress that your body holds onto.
Nervous system regulation focuses on balancing the body’s stress responses. Unlike traditional talk therapy or mindfulness practices that primarily target the mind, nervous system regulation works from the body up to the brain. This method is particularly effective because over 80% of the nerves in the body are afferent, meaning they send signals from the body to the brain.
By using this body-based approach, you can grow your Window of Tolerance, and expand the range of situations where your nervous system stays balanced:
1. Daily Check-Ins: Spend a few minutes each day tuning into your body’s sensations. Notice where you hold tension and how your body feels overall.
2. Breathing Exercises: Engage in deep, diaphragmatic breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body.
3. Physical Activities: Regular exercise like yoga, tai chi, or even a simple walk can help discharge stored stress.
4. Somatic Exercises: Techniques like Body Tapping or Cannon breath can help release tension and bring the nervous system back to balance.
6. Consistent Sleep Routine: A regular sleep schedule supports the circadian rhythm, which in turn helps maintain a balanced nervous system
Imagine you’re feeling overwhelmed at work. Take a moment to close your eyes, place one hand on your lower abdomen, and breathe deeply. Feel your belly rise with each inhale and fall with each exhale. This simple act can significantly reduce your heart rate and bring a sense of calm.
If you’re someone who often feels anxious and jittery, body tapping can be a powerful grounding technique. Start by gently tapping your arms, legs, and torso with your fingertips. This technique helps bring awareness back to your body, and can shift you out of a heightened state of anxiety.
Cannon can also be a great choice if you're feeling anxiety creep up and need to release pent-up energy. The repeated squeezing and strong exhales help flush stress out of the body.
At NEUROFIT, we’ve seen firsthand how effective nervous system regulation can be. Our app users report 54% less stress after just one week of daily practice. The NEUROFIT app offers personalized exercises, daily check-ins, and AI-guided coaching to help you achieve a balanced and resilient nervous system.
Andrew and I founded NEUROFIT after experiencing our own battles with chronic stress and anxiety. I spent over a decade trying various treatments for anxiety, grief and digestive issues after my father's passing. And nervous system regulation ended up being the solution that finally brought lasting relief.
Similarly, Andrew's journey with a neurodiverse family background and Complex PTSD led him to the transformative power of nervous system fitness. These personal experiences drove us to create a solution that’s simple, effective, and accessible to everyone.
Nervous system regulation focuses on balancing the body’s stress responses through techniques that engage the body first, such as somatic exercises, breathing techniques, and physical activities. By addressing the body’s stored stress, it helps to calm the mind and bring overall balance.
Many people start feeling a difference within even a week of daily practice. According to our data, 94% of active NEUROFIT members report a decrease in stress levels within seven days.
Absolutely. Nervous system regulation can improve mood, emotional balance, sleep quality, and even physical health. It’s effective for a range of issues including burnout, chronic pain, and digestive problems.
Yes, NEUROFIT is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, making it suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a health practitioner, our app can help you achieve a balanced and resilient nervous system.
If you’re tired of feeling anxious all the time, try nervous system regulation. It may be your key to a more balanced and peaceful life.