Overwhelm is often a nervous system state, not a character flaw. This article aims to assist readers in calming the overwhelm with actionable results we all can take to see progress.
Overwhelmed? How does the Nervous System Play a Part?
Overwhelmed often shows up as the nervous system is in Flight or Fight. When our nervous system is calm: it is in Rest and Regulated.
The nervous system includes: energy levels, mood, hormones, focus and decision making. Physically, the anatomy includes the brain and spinal cord. Then it includes nerves and ganglia (think cables connecting it all).
Next, there is the Somatic Nervous System (Voluntary)
This system is under your conscious control. It allows you to move your skeletal muscles—like when you decide to wave your hand or walk to the store.+1
Autonomic Nervous System (Involuntary)
This system runs on “autopilot.” It handles things you don’t think about, like digestion and your heartbeat. It is further divided into two famous responses:
Parasympathetic: The “Rest and Regulated” response. It calms you down and helps your body recover.
Sympathetic: The “Fight or Flight” response. It revs you up during stress (faster heart rate, dilated pupils).
The entire system is built from two types of specialized cells:
- Neurons (Nerve Cells): The stars of the show. They transmit the electrical signals. Each has a cell body, dendrites(to receive signals), and an axon (to send signals).+2
- Glia (Glial Cells): The “support crew.” They protect, nourish, and insulate the neurons so they can work efficiently
Signs Our Nervous System is Dysregulated
I’ve been in relationships that have been so hard on my nervous system. Symptoms include:
- Feeling overwhelmed easily
- Constant fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling emotionally reactive
- Difficulty focusing or completing tasks
These are way too common in my life. (These also sound like perimenopause – yikes).
Why Mom’s Are Especially Vulnerable
Mom’s experience this more for many reasons. Think:
- Constant responsibility
- Lack of rest
- Mental load
- Hormonal shifts
- Lack of support
- Chronic multitasking
- Solving So Many Mysteries
For many of us, we have experienced the inability to accomplish much at all and there are reasons for this:
You cannot build clarity, income, or stability from a disregulated state Calm nervous systems make better decisions
Regulation increases capacity, focus, and resilience. So now, let’s explore ways to get regulated and diminish the overwhelm.
Simple Daily Practices That Support Nervous System Regulation
Morning:
- Avoid phone immediately
- Get sunlight
- Hydrate
Throughout the day:
- Slow breathing
- Gentle movement
- Taking breaks
Evening:
- Reduce stimulation
- Calm environment
- Consistent sleep schedule
Focus on consistency, not perfection.
Personal Story:
After my husband left me in a very overwhelming, chaotic marriage. I found my days braced for impact. My nervous system was on high alert constantly.
Reading the Bible was such a life line. Tapping helped. I practiced grounding at least daily. But what helped the very most is my small tweak that I added to my morning routine.
Every morning, I start by applying Frankincense Essential oil to the bottoms of my feet, along with Ground oil blend. This assisted me in relaxing.
What made an even bigger impact, is putting relaxing oils in the diffuser at night. Waking up feeling more rested is wonderful.
My nervous system is improved as I speak positive affirmations forth daily. The mantra of my life is that my best days are ahead.
Practicing nervous system regulating has such great benefits. It is very worth all of the hard work (Five years of trauma therapy weekly).
Benefits of Regulating the Nervous System
For one, I feel more relaxed. My shoulders aren’t up by my ears anymore. Being able to smile and enjoy is such a blessing.
Clarity is a huge deal to me. Used to, my past, trauma, and shame kept me under a heavy weight. The constant chaos with overwhelm is gone. Thank God!
My emotions are much more stable. It feels not fixating on every challenge. Not lashing out at others in adverse circumstances feel very positive (for those around me to). Stable emotions have helped me trust myself again as well. I’m human, I still mess up at times; stability is normal for me now.
Energy is better. I believe because I am not focused on all the things out of my control anymore. Overwhelm sometimes consists of things we can’t control, doesn’t it?
Without the cloud of a disregulated nervous system, I can make decisions much easier. Leadership is something I’m more prepared for.
Recap:
Yes, getting out from under Nervous Dysregulation takes so much effort, the breakthrough is worth it! Consistency over perfection. Lately, when I am dysregulated, I’ve been grabbing lavender oil and smelling it in the cups of my hands. It helps me within seconds.
Remember, we are not broken. Nervous system disregulation occurs for many reasons. Regulating is a learned skill. Small steps create real change. Make sure to give ourselves grace. We are human. Perfection is too high of a goal.
What is your “go to,” when you are off? I’d love to hear in the comments below. What do you have to say about this subject? Let’s learn together. We are stronger together, better together.
Conclusion:
When the nervous system is more regulated, everything becomes easier. Decision making is more automated. Clarity increases. Confidence grows. This is where real change begins.
For more on this topic, check out: This Post. Once you are more regulated, you can start building multiple streams of income. If you are interested, download my Discover Your $1,000.00 a Month Income Ideas.
