When our nervous system is out of balance, we may feel on edge & struggle with chronic overthinking.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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UPDATED MAY 17, 2023
DYSREGULATION & IRRITABILITY
Irritability is a common emotion that can have a negative impact on our lives. It can make us feel on edge, anxious, and can even lead to outbursts of anger. While there can be many different causes of irritability, one of the most common is a dysregulated nervous system.
The nervous system is responsible for regulating our body's response to stress. When we are faced with a stressful situation, the nervous system kicks into gear to help us deal with the threat. This response is known as the "fight-or-flight" response.
During the fight-or-flight response, the body releases hormones that prepare us to deal with the stressor. These hormones include adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases our heart rate and blood pressure, while cortisol helps to increase our blood sugar levels.
SYMPATHETIC ACTIVATION LEADS TO IRRITABILITY
While the fight-or-flight response is designed to help us deal with stress, it can also lead to irritability. This is because the body is in a state of high alert and is ready to deal with a threat. This can make us feel on edge and can lead to outbursts of anger.
There are a few things that can contribute to a dysregulated nervous system, and one of the most common is chronic stress. When we are constantly under stress, our nervous system remains in a state of high alert. This can lead to irritability and can even make it difficult to concentrate or sleep.
Another common cause of a dysregulated nervous system is a lack of sleep. When we don't get enough sleep, our bodies are not able to properly recover from the day's events. This can lead to a build-up of stress and can eventually lead to a dysregulated nervous system.
However, by engaging in daily Play and Stillness practices, we can train our nervous system to become more resistant to the Sympathetic response. So, by focusing on nervous system regulation, we can actively reduce irritability and improve our overall sense of well-being.
80% of the nerves in the human body are "afferent" - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
NeuroFit is a nervous system trainer. Through daily check-ins, biometric measurements via your phone's camera, and tailored exercises, it removes stress at the source. Available for iOS & Android.
Dysregulation is when the nervous system stops functioning properly and perceives events as stressful or overwhelming due to high allostatic load (baseline stress level). This happens when its baseline has moved significantly away from the default ventral vagal state, often due to chronic stress, trauma, poor sleep, and poor diet. This brings about a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disease.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's natural response to a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and prepares the body to either fight the threat or run away from it. The body's heart rate increases, blood flow to the muscles increases, and the body releases adrenaline and other hormones.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.
Nervous System Fitness is the degree of flexibility and resilience of one's nervous system. The name implies that the nervous system can be trained and strengthened, much like physical fitness.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NeuroFit - available for iOS and Android.