Let’s talk about some sneaky symptoms of nervous system dysregulation (NSD) that are often overlooked. Why? Because awareness is the first step to healing, and because we’ve been conditioned to think that these signs are just part of life.

We’re constantly told that being irritable, exhausted, and overwhelmed is just part of the deal as high-achieving women and working moms. But I’m here to tell you: that’s not the truth.

We’ve been sold the lie that feeling this way is “normal” because it’s common. But common doesn’t mean normal. Many of the things we accept as “just who we are” might actually be signs that our nervous system is out of whack—and the good news is that there’s a way to shift this.

In this blog post, we’ll cover four of the most overlooked signs of nervous system dysregulation. And here’s the key: this isn’t about feeling overwhelmed by the list. It’s about hope. If you see yourself in any of these, know that healing is possible. Your nervous system can be reset and rewired to help you feel better, calmer, and more alive.

So, let’s dive into the four most common (and often ignored) symptoms of nervous system dysregulation.

1. Irritability & Edginess

Do you find yourself snapping at your partner or your kids over things that normally wouldn’t bother you? Maybe you feel on edge, like you can’t relax—even when everything is technically fine.

The Nervous System Connection:

Irritability and edginess often indicate an over-activated sympathetic nervous system—basically, your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Your brain’s amygdala (the threat detector) is in overdrive, sending out stress hormones like cortisol, keeping you on high alert even when there’s no real danger.

This constant activation drains your energy and makes it difficult to relax. Left unchecked, it contributes to burnout and keeps you in a cycle of stress.

Healing the Symptom:

• Improve Emotional Hygiene: Pay attention to how you’re feeling, and give yourself permission to pause before reacting.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing stimulants like caffeine, getting more sleep, and making sure you’re eating to fuel your body can make a world of difference.

2. Digestion & GI Issues

Bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort… sound familiar? These issues might flare up during stressful times, and you’ve probably written them off as normal. But digestive problems are a common sign of nervous system dysregulation.

The Nervous System Connection:

Your gut and nervous system are deeply connected. When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, digestion slows down, as blood flow is redirected away from the gut. This can cause bloating, irregular bowel movements, and even food sensitivities to flare up.

Dysregulation can also throw off your neurotransmitters (like serotonin), impacting both your digestion and mood. When your nervous system settles back into a parasympathetic state, your gut starts to function properly again.

Healing the Symptom:

• Mindful Eating: Slow down during meals, chew your food thoroughly, and really pay attention to what your body needs.
• Gut Health: Probiotics and gut-friendly foods can help regulate your digestion. You could also check out my story about how improving my gut health boosted my energy and mood.

3. Hypervigilance

Ever feel like you’re constantly scanning the room for what could go wrong? Maybe you’re on edge in situations where you should feel safe, or you jump at every little noise. This is called hypervigilance, and it’s another sign of nervous system dysregulation.

The Nervous System Connection:

Hypervigilance happens when your brain can’t turn off its threat detection system. Your amygdala stays in high alert, which keeps you stuck in a constant state of fight-or-flight. This drains your energy and makes it hard to relax, contributing to that overall sense of burnout.

Healing the Symptom:

• Grounding Techniques: Practice deep breathing, engage your senses, or connect with your surroundings to help bring you back into the present moment.
• Get Support: Working with a coach or therapist trained in nervous system regulation can help you process and release underlying stress or trauma that’s keeping you in hypervigilance mode.

4. Procrastination

This one might surprise you. Procrastination doesn’t always look like laziness—it can actually be a sign of nervous system overwhelm. If you’ve been putting off tasks, especially the ones that feel hard or stressful, it might be because your body is stuck in a freeze response.

The Nervous System Connection:

Procrastination can happen when your nervous system perceives a task as overwhelming or threatening. It’s a way of avoiding stress, but it actually ends up causing more stress in the long run.

When your nervous system is dysregulated, your prefrontal cortex (the part of your brain responsible for decision-making and focus) takes a backseat. As a result, it’s hard to take action, and avoidance becomes a way of coping, our “normal”.

Healing the Symptom:

• Break It Down: Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to reduce that sense of overwhelm.
• Timed Intervals: Using a method like the Pomodoro technique (working in short bursts with breaks) can help trick your brain into starting tasks that feel hard to begin with.
• Self-Compassion: Give yourself grace. Procrastination isn’t a personal flaw—it’s a symptom of a deeper issue, and with nervous system regulation, it can get better.

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The symptoms above might seem like they’re just “part of life,” but they’re actually signs of nervous system dysregulation. The best part? These can be healed. Through body-based practices, mindfulness, and some lifestyle shifts, you can regulate your nervous system and step into a more vibrant, peaceful, and balanced life.

So, if any of these symptoms sound familiar, take heart. You don’t have to stay stuck in burnout or overwhelm. There are steps you can take to feel better, and they won’t cost you a thing—just a bit of awareness and some aligned action. You’ve got this!

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