IMPROVE YOUR FOCUS WITH NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION
By balancing your nervus system, you can improve your ability to focus, mental clarity, and creativity.
Have you ever found yourself unable to concentrate, no matter how hard you try? Super frustrating - but you’re not alone.
What if I told you that the root of this problem might be your nervous system?
As I've found through building NEUROFIT, balancing your nervous system can significantly improve your focus and overall well-being - here's how.
What is Nervous System Regulation?
Nervous system regulation is the process of balancing your nervous system to ensure it functions optimally.
The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.
When your nervous system is chronically dysregulated, it can lead to various health issues, including poor focus, anxiety, and even physical ailments. The graph below show how stress can build up in the body as allostatic load:
Chronic stress builds up in the nervous system, leading to mental and physical health challenges.
Our nervous system shifts between 3 different primary states (along with 3 mixed states):
Ventral Vagal: This is your "rest and digest" state where you feel calm and focused.
Sympathetic: Known as the "fight or flight" state, this is where stress and anxiety dominate.
Dorsal Vagal: The "freeze" state where you might feel disconnected and unable to concentrate.
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation
If you're experiencing a few of these signs beyond focus issues or brain fog, you may have a dysregulated nervous system that's affecting your ability to focus
Gut issues or problems with digestion
Feeling constantly anxious or stressed
Experiencing looping or anxious thoughts
Trouble sleeping or experiencing irregular sleep patterns
Physical symptoms like chronic pain
Understanding these signs can help you identify when your nervous system needs attention.
Causes of Poor Focus Due to Nervous System Dysregulation
Several factors can lead to nervous system dysregulation:
Chronic Stress: Long-term stress can keep your nervous system in a constant state of high alert, making it difficult to focus. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic stress can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Poor Sleep: Lack of restorative sleep can prevent your nervous system from resetting, leading to focus issues.
Unhealthy Diet: Nutrient deficiencies can impact your nervous system's ability to function properly. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining brain health and mental clarity.
Lack of Physical Activity: Movement is key for nervous system health, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to dysregulation. WebMD highlights that regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mental clarity as a result.
8 Ways To Improve Your Focus with Nervous System Regulation
Balancing your nervous system gets to be simple. Here are some practical ways to improve your focus:
1. Daily Check-ins
Taking a moment each day to check in with your nervous system can help you become more aware of its state and also strengthen your mind-body connection. Use a simple tool like the NEUROFIT app to monitor your nervous system and identify life areas that need your attention.
The NEUROFIT App's check-in feature lets you strengthen your mind-body connection, measure growth, and get personalized coaching insights.
2. Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you shift from a state of stress to a state of calm and focus. Try the "4-7-8" breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.
3. Physical Activity
Exercise is vital for nervous system regulation. Aim for at least 10 minutes of daily exercise, enough to break a sweat. This helps release endorphins and reduces stress, making it easier to focus.
Our NEUROFIT App data shows that regular exercise supports a balanced nervous system - our app members who prioritize exercise report 22% higher HRV and 11% more balanced check-ins.
4. Healthy Diet
A balanced whole food diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B Vitamins, and minerals supports nervous system health. Foods like fish, nuts, and leafy greens can make a significant difference.
Naturally-occuring supplements can also support nervous system health.
5. Quality Sleep
Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule to ensure your nervous system gets the rest it needs. Avoid screens before bed and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle can improve both your HRV and overall emotional balance.
6. Social Play and Interaction
7. Stillness Practices
Practices like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing can help you develop better awareness of your nervous system states and improve your ability to focus. Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase.
8. Somatic Exercises
Next time you're feeling brain fog, try a couple of minutes of somatic exercisees, like Body Tapping, Breath of Fire, or Butterfly - this quick nervous system reset can greatly improve focus within just a couple of minutes:
The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with somatic exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.
How NEUROFIT Can Help You Focus
At NEUROFIT, we've seen firsthand how regulating the nervous system can transform lives. Our app provides personalized exercises and insights to help you balance your nervous system in just a few minutes a day.
The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.
Take it from my personal experience: after struggling with grief, anxiety and burnout for 10 years, I discovered the power of nervous system regulation and it changed my life - and I truly believe it can for you too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see improvements in focus with nervous system regulation?
Most of the NEUROFIT community reports significant improvements within just a week of consistent practice. Making those changes last long-term generally takes about six weeks of commitment.
Can nervous system regulation help with other issues besides focus?
Yes - ervous system regulation can also improve your mood and emotional balance, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep quality and digestion, optimize post-workout recovery, and boost overall well-being.
How can I get started with nervous system regulation today?
You can start balancing your nervous system today by checking in with your body daily, getting daily stillness, play and exercise, creating a sleep routine, avoiding online stress, eating a balanced diet, and completing somatic exercises whenever you feel stressed.
Is the NEUROFIT app suitable for anyone, or do you need to be a nervous system expert?
Yes, the NEUROFIT app is designed to be beginner-friendly, simple and effective, especially for those just finding out about nervous system regulation. It provides step-by-step guidance to help you get started.
By understanding and regulating your nervous system, you can significantly improve your focus and overall quality of life. Start today and experience the difference for yourself.
