ALWAYS ANXIOUS? TRY NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION

Learn how nervous system regulation can help you reduce anxiety fast with practical, body-based techniques.

Loren Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
4 MINUTE READ
OCT 5, 2024

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.

Understanding Anxiety and Its Root Causes

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.

Signs and Symptoms of a Dysregulated Nervous System

Persistent worry and fear

Rapid heart rate or palpitations

Sweating and trembling

Difficulty concentrating

Sleep disturbances

Irritability and restlessness

Muscle tension

Why Does Nervous System Dysregulation Happen?

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.

Chronic stress builds up in the nervous system, leading to mental and physical health challenges.

The Science Behind Nervous System Regulation

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:

A balanced nervous system is better prepared to handle stress and challenges.

Practical Ways to Apply Nervous System Regulation

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.

Body Tapping - Body tapping with balled fists to bring oneself back into the body.
Cannon - Powerful exhales and contractions to release excess energy.

5. Social Play: Engaging in fun social activities can shift your nervous system from a state of stress to one of Play and joy

6. Consistent Sleep Routine: A regular sleep schedule supports the circadian rhythm, which in turn helps maintain a balanced nervous system

Practical Examples of Nervous System Regulation

Example 1: The Power of Breathing

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.

The NEUROFIT App's camera-based HRV tech lets you measure your Heart Rate, HRV and more without needing a wearable.

Example 2: Body Tapping

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.

Example 3: Cannon

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.

The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.

How The NEUROFIT Approach Works

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.

The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nervous system regulation, and how does it work?

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.

How soon can I expect to see results from nervous system regulation?

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.

Can nervous system regulation help with other issues besides anxiety?

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.

Is NEUROFIT suitable for everyone?

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.

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About The Author
Loren Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
Loren is a co-founder of NEUROFIT, and a Master Somatics + Business Coach with a decade of experience coaching thousands of clients worldwide.
After facing years of chronic stress, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation after a loss in her family, she launched NEUROFIT as a fast, effective and accessible solution to these challenges.
Today, the NEUROFIT app is used by 2,000+ leading doctors, therapists, and health coaches, reaching 60,000+ users in 80+ countries.
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