LOOPING THOUGHTS, OVERTHINKING, & DYSREGULATION

When we experience intrusive, repetitive thoughts, it can feel like our minds are stuck on a loop. This can be a symptom of a dysregulated nervous system. When our nervous system is out of balance, it can be difficult to relax and we may feel on edge or anxious and struggle with chronic overthinking as a result.

This is because the nervous system is responsible for regulating our stress response. When we are under stress, the nervous system kicks into gear to help us deal with the threat. This is known as the fight-or-flight response.

The fight-or-flight response is a survival mechanism that is hardwired into our nervous system. It is designed to help us deal with threats by preparing the body for action. The problem is that when the nervous system is constantly in a state of high alert, it can be difficult to relax and we may start to experience symptoms of persistent anxiety.

Fortunately, regulating the nervous system can also help to clear these symptoms up. 80% of the nerves in the human body are afferent, running from body to brain, and these are the nerves that carry information about the state of the body. So when you introduce exercise, stillness, and proper self-care habits, they are communicating to the brain through the body: is a language it is far more responsive to than mindset or conscious thinking.

When the nervous system is regulated, the mind is able to relax, and intrusive, repetitive thoughts will often dissipate as a result.