Do you ever feel like your body is in overdrive? Like your nerves are constantly on high alert, leaving you feeling anxious, irritable, and exhausted? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us experience what’s known as an overactive nervous system, and understanding how to calm it down is key to finding balance and peace in our busy lives.

What is an “overactive” nervous system?

So, let’s dive into what it really means to have an overactive nervous system. Our nervous system is like the control center of our body. It’s responsible for sending messages that drive our thoughts, behaviors, and even our words. Additionally, there are three circuits, one of which is the sympathetic nervous system, often associated with our fight or flight response. Furthermore, when this system gets stuck in overdrive, it can lead to a whole host of issues, from anxiety and insomnia to muscle tension and digestive problems.

But fear not, dear moms! There are ways to signal safety to our bodies and shift out of that fight or flight mode. Here are five mom-approved techniques to help calm your overactive nervous system:

Try these 5 things:

1. Move Your Body: Whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or dancing around the living room with your little ones, physical activity can work wonders in calming your nerves. Not only does it release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in the brain, but it also helps to reduce stress hormones and promote muscle relaxation.

2. Hum, Laugh, or Sing: Channel your inner songbird and let those vocal cords soar! Humming, laughing, or singing can activate the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in promoting relaxation and calming the body’s stress response. Plus, the deep breathing involved can further enhance that feeling of calmness.

3. Embrace Weighted Pressure: Ever heard of the magic of weighted blankets? These cozy wraps can work wonders in calming an overactive nervous system through a process known as deep pressure stimulation. By applying gentle pressure to the body, weighted blankets can help reduce cortisol levels, promote serotonin production, and improve sleep quality.

4. Sway or Rock: Remember those soothing moments when you rocked your baby to sleep? Turns out, swaying or rocking can be just as beneficial for adults! By stimulating the vestibular system, swaying can help modulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation. So go ahead, sway to your heart’s content!

5. Practice Physiological Breath: Lastly, take a moment to focus on your breath. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing can activate your body’s relaxation response, helping to lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and release tension. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, just take a few deep breaths and feel the stress melt away.

Remember, every body is different, so feel free to experiment with these techniques and find what works best for you. And if you find yourself struggling with persistent feelings of being stuck in fight or flight, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. You’re not alone on this journey, and there are resources available to help you find peace and balance.

Connect with me!

If you’re interested in diving deeper into nervous system regulation and exploring how personalized support can benefit you, I’d love to chat! Click here to complete my 1:1 Coaching application.

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