Healing a dysregulated nervous system is not just about feeling better; it's about reclaiming your life. After the sudden passing of my father in 2011, I struggled with chronic anxiety, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances.
Little did I know, my nervous system was entirely out of balance. Fast forward to now, I've discovered that healing is possible with the right approach. Here are a few signs that your nervous system is on its way to recovery.
A dysregulated nervous system remains in a constant state of stress, even when there's no immediate danger. This ongoing stress can manifest as chronic anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and digestive issues. Basically, it can feel like like driving a car with the emergency brake engaged—it's exhausting and unsustainable.
As a result, you'll end up spending most of your time in the bottom three dysregulated states on the NEUROFIT Ring:
The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.
Chronic Stress: Unresolved stress accumulates over time.
Trauma: Past traumatic events leave lasting imprints on your nervous system.
Poor Daily Habits: Lack of sleep, poor diet, and minimal physical activity exacerbate the issue.
One of the first signs that your nervous system is healing is improved sleep quality. When your nervous system starts to balance, you'll find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Quality sleep is foundational for nervous system health, allowing your body to repair and rejuvenate itself.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.
Use calming techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
As your nervous system heals, you'll notice a significant drop in anxiety and stress levels.
Chronic anxiety often stems from a state of constant nervous system activation, so when your nervous system begins to re-balance, those overwhelming feelings of stress start to dissipate too.
Regular check-ins with your nervous system to notice what's affecting your emotional state.
Use somatic exercises like Body Tapping or Cannon Breath in your daily routine.
The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with somatic exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.
A balanced nervous system positively impacts your gut health. You'll notice fewer issues like bloating, indigestion, and stomach pain. This is because the nervous system and digestive system are closely linked—when one is out of balance, the other often follows suit.
Eat a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
Stay hydrated to keep your digestive system functioning optimally.
Emotional volatility is a common sign of a dysregulated nervous system. As you heal, you'll find that your mood swings become less frequent and less intense. You'll feel more grounded and emotionally balanced, which can improve your relationships and overall quality of life.
Practice stillness exercises to calm your mind and body.
A healing nervous system directly contributes to higher energy levels and improved mental clarity. You'll find it easier to concentrate, make decisions, and maintain focus throughout the day. This is because a balanced nervous system is better at managing stress and allocating resources efficiently.
Prioritize physical exercise to release endorphins and reduce stress.
Ensure you get quality sleep to rejuvenate your mind and body and improve your focus.
Regular check-ins with your nervous system can strengthen your mind-body connection and reduce stress. The NEUROFIT app encourages daily check-ins, allowing you to reflect on your current state and identify how different life areas are affecting your nervous system.
The NEUROFIT App's check-in feature lets you strengthen your mind-body connection, measure growth, and get personalized coaching insights.
Engaging in somatic exercises can help shift your nervous system from a negative state to a positive one. Exercises like Body Tapping or Cannon Breath can switch off your body's stress response in just a few minutes.
Quality sleep and a balanced diet are essential for nervous system health. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and focus on a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and minerals.
Staying hydrated and avoiding common stressors can significantly impact your nervous system. Limit exposure to negative online content and reduce time spent with people who leave you feeling drained.
My journey with NEUROFIT began after years of struggling with my mental and physical health. Andrew, my husband and co-founder, also faced similar health challenges due to his upbringing in a neurodiverse family.
Together, we created NEUROFIT to provide a simple and effective solution for nervous system regulation. Our app has helped our average active users report 54% less stress within just one week.
A dysregulated nervous system is when your body remains in a constant state of stress, even in the absence of immediate danger. This can lead to chronic anxiety, fatigue, and other health issues.
Common signs include improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and stress, better digestive function, enhanced emotional stability, and increased energy and focus.
The NEUROFIT app offers daily check-ins, personalized somatic exercises, and biometric measurements to help manage and reduce stress, making it easier to maintain a balanced nervous system.
Absolutely. Proper sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding stressors can significantly improve the health of your nervous system.
By following these steps and recognizing these signs, you can effectively heal your nervous system and lead a more balanced, stress-free life.