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 MAR 21, 2023
DYSREGULATION & OVERTHINKING
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 EFFECTS OF PROLONGED FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT
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.
TAPPING INTO AFFERENT NERVES TO RELIEVE OVERTHINKING
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.
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.
Neurological Fitness is the degree of balance, flexibility, and resilience of one's nervous system. The name implies that one's 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.