TRUST THE PROCESS: HOW TO OVERCOME BURNOUT

Learn how to overcome burnout and achieve nervous system balance with simple daily practices.

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

Trusting the process is a saying that's meant to create a sense of calm and purpose during uncertain times. But what does "trust the process" really mean, especially when it comes to balancing our nervous system, overcoming burnout, and reducing stress? As the Co-CEO of NEUROFIT, I’ve seen firsthand how trusting the process can transform lives.

The Power of Trusting the Process in Nervous System Regulation

Trusting the process is about surrendering to the journey and believing that each step, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture. This concept is particularly vital when it comes to nervous system regulation. Our nervous system is a complex and intricate network that responds to (and remembers) every experience, emotion, and thought. So trusting the process means understanding that balance doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent, mindful practices.

Signs of a Dysregulated Nervous System

Recognizing the signs of a dysregulated nervous system can be the first step in trusting the process of healing. These signs may include:

Chronic stress and anxiety

Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

Emotional volatility and irritability

Physical symptoms like digestive issues or chronic pain

Brain fog and trouble concentrating

Understanding these signs is crucial because it helps to know when our nervous system is needing support.

Chronic stress builds up in the body over time, affecting our physiology. Prolonged overstimulation like this can also lead to anxiety and burnout, and even contribute to physical health issues like digestive problems and weakened immune function. As a result, we also end up spending more time in the dysregulated nervous system states on the NEUROFIT Ring below:

The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.

Causes of Nervous System Dysregulation

Before we dive into the steps to trust the process, it's essential to understand what causes nervous system dysregulation. A few common contributors are prolonged stress, unresolved trauma, imbalanced lifestyle habits, and lack of social support. Each of these elements can push our nervous system further into a state of imbalance, making it harder to cope with daily stressors.

Practical Steps to Trust the Process

Trusting the process involves adopting daily practices that support nervous system health. Here are practical steps to help you on this journey:

1. Daily Check-Ins

Regularly checking in with your nervous system can provide valuable insights into your current state and improve your mind-body awareness, which helps reduce stress. The NEUROFIT app encourages daily check-ins, allowing you to reflect on your emotional and physical well-being. This simple practice helps build self-awareness and guides you in making necessary adjustments.

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

2. Embrace Stillness

Adding moments of stillness to your daily routine can significantly improve your nervous system balance. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindful walking can help shift your body from a state of elevated stress to one of calm. Daily stillness also supports greater ease in falling asleep, higher sleep quality and greater overall emotional balance.

3. Engage in Social Play

Social play is not just for kids! It’s a powerful tool for adults to balance their nervous system. Engaging in playful social activities can help you connect with others and release built-up stress. This could be anything from joining a sports team to participating in a dance class. Our app data shows that engaging in social play significantly helps in balancing the nervous system and overall mood.

4. Consistent Bedtime Routine

A regular bedtime routine supports a predictable sleep-wake cycle, which is essential for nervous system balance. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Avoid screens and heavy meals before bedtime to ensure high-quality sleep.

5. Personalized Somatic Exercises

Personalized somatic exercises can help you release tension and restore balance quickly whenever stress does show up. The NEUROFIT app offers BALANCE exercises tailored to your needs, helping you shift out of a dysregulated state (eg, fight-or-flight, shutdown or overwhelm) back into balance within just a few minutes.

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

For example, try the Cannon exercise for a couple of minutes next time you're feeling tension stuck in your body:

Cannon - Powerful exhales and contractions to release excess energy.

6. Measure and Understand HRV

Heart Rate Variability is a key biomarker for nervous system health. The NEUROFIT app allows you to measure your HRV using your phone camera, providing insights into your body's readiness to handle stress. Regular measurement helps you track progress and understand what impacts your nervous system the most. HRV measurement is a quick and simple way to track your nervous system health.

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

Loren's Personal Experience with Trusting the Process

In 2011, I went through staggering grief after the sudden passing of my father. This led to a whole host of symptoms that I later understood were actually caused by a dysregulated nervous system. My journey to healing was not immediate - it took 10 years to figure out that nervuos system imbalance was at the root. However, the passion from this experience led my husband and I to co-create NEUROFIT - and seeded our mission to help others achieve nervous system balance much more quickly.

Why Trusting the Process Matters

Trusting the process is much more than just a mantra; it’s a commitment to continuous self-care and growth, even in times of uncertainty. For many, the idea of trusting the process can be challenging, especially when results are not immediately visible. However, the benefits of staying the course include:

Better emotional stability and resilience

Enhanced mental clarity and focus

Better physical health, recovery and sleep

Improved overall well-being and life satisfaction

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results from nervous system regulation practices?

Results can vary, but on average, our NEUROFIT app members report feeling significantly less stressed and more balanced after just one week. For long-lasting results, aim to complete the six-week program. The key is to trust the process and take it one day at a time.

What are some simple daily practices to support nervous system health?

Some simple practices include daily check-ins, engaging in social play, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, practicing stillness, and incorporating personalized somatic exercises.

How does the NEUROFIT app help with trusting the process?

The NEUROFIT app provides tools and resources to support your nervous system regulation journey, making it much a faster and more predictable process. The data-driven app helps you stay on track and see visible progress over time.

Can anyone benefit from nervous system regulation, or is it only for those experiencing chronic stress?

Anyone can benefit from nervous system regulation. Whether you're dealing with chronic stress or simply looking to improve your overall well-being or even workplace performance, these practices can support a healthier, more balanced life. Understanding the importance of nervous system fitness is key to overall well-being.

Trusting the process is about believing in the journey and committing to daily practices that support your nervous system. At NEUROFIT, we’re dedicated to making this journey as simple and effective as possible, helping you transform your life from the inside out.

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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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