Getting out of Survival mode
Things I am currently doing to help relax my nervous system
If you know me personally you will know that over the last 18 plus years I have moved a lot. Most of those times,I only moved some items with me, with the idea of redecorating and shifting the energy and style to match my new home. As I settle into my place here on Vancouver Island I have made a promise to myself. I am ready to change things up and do things different. That phase of my life was amazing and I did and learned so much. But I am ready for a different phase one I don’t want to start over with nothing anymore. Yes, I know I did have furniture that I chose to sell instead of move across Canada and that was a choice I made. But I am making a promise to future me that when I move, I will move my stuff with me.
To be honest with you my nervous system is exhausted and I can feel the impact on my overall health and body after years of it in fight and flight mode.
These are some of the things I am currently doing. Feel free to try some of them or use this as inspiration to think of ways to help calm your nervous system if it feels like it is in overdrive as well.
Make a Promise to yourself
So the first thing was making a promise to myself… I immediately could them drop all the stories about well I may move and I am not going to do this because I am going to move. This allows you to be present and enjoy your space. This allows enjoy every moment and set your place up and treat it like your forever home even if it’s just for a minute. This gets you into a positive mindset instead of a fear and lack mindset.
Get in Nature Daily
It is important to ground yourself and it is important to get out and be in nature at some point of your day everyday. This isn’t about doing the act as a check list, but really be present and take in your surroundings. Stop for a minute and look at a tree, a view or some flower. This helps you get out of your head for a minute and gives your body a chance to relax.
Move your body in a less stressful way
If your adrenal’s are already fired up, the last thing you need to do is continue to stress your body out with exercise. I know the sounds opposite to what you think or believe, especially if your body is starting to put on weight from stress. The thing is you need to understand what is going on and exercise isn’t going to change your weight… it may actually give you the opposite effect. By understanding your what is happening if your body… this may help shift your way of thinking. When your body or adrenals are in overdrive…. tense, stressed, go, go, go…. then your body starts not functioning properly and instead of burning fat… it begins storing it. I noticed my body was starting to hold onto more belly and leg weight, so I started working out daily, but I noticed my body was gaining even more weight instead of loosing weight. When I stopped working out daily and started calming my body, I noticed my body started balancing and my weight started to go down.
Going to Bed an Hour Earlier than your Bed Time
This doesn’t mean you need to go to sleep right away but doing an even ritual, whatever works for you and then get into bed. By laying in your bed for a bit before sleeping helps calm your nervous system. I also like to do legs up the wall to help regulate my nervous system. I generally do it until my legs begin to get a bit tingly.
Setting aside time to just rest in your day (even if it’s 5 minutes)
This is still something I struggle with. I like to keep busy but I can feel my body tense up when I don’t do this. Even it it’s just 5 minutes it makes a huge difference. It can be sitting on your patio, or laying on your bed or sofa without your phone or distractions and just being present. It is like hitting the reset for your body.
Making space in your day for things that make you happy
Whatever that is for you, lighting a good smelling candle and having a bath, reading a book on your patio, gardening, baking a dessert, try to do one thing a day that makes you excited and smile. Feed your soul it helps your body see it is safe and can allow you to relax.
These are just some of the things I am currently doing to help regulate my nervous system and get myself out of survival mode. It is a journey… not an overnight quick fix but with tools and figuring out what works best for you, you are one step closer to feeling more calmed and relaxed in your body. If you are interested in working with me 1:1 feel free to book a coaching session with me on my website www.danielleleannreinhardt.com
Some Journal prompts I have been using:
Notice when I am tense in my body, what am I thinking/ doing?
Am I supposed to be doing this? (and really listen)
What can I do instead?
