Regulating Your Nervous System For A Balanced Life

Happy New Year to you! Wahooooo!! Who else is excited for 2025?!

Recently, a quote was shared with me:

“The true measure of success is a regulated nervous system.”

When I heard it, my mind was blown a little bit. I’d never thought of success in that way. We’re so often told that success is making a certain amount of money, owning a home, having a high credit score, etc.

But really, success is feeling calm, grounded, and in control of our emotions. Think about it… What’s the point of all the exterior success if we’re stressed or overwhelmed all the time?? As sappy as it sounds, inner peace really should be the top priority.

I can attest that working on your nervous system and emotions can have profound effects. I’ve faced some very difficult challenges recently and I’ve been shocked with how well I handled it all. It’s all because I’ve been using some practices that help regulate my nervous system. Sure, we all know about meditating, breathwork, and the like. But below are some simple somatic practices that have really helped bring me back to center.

1. Humming: This is my personal go-to… When I catch myself overthinking or feeling anxious, I hum. There’s something about the act of humming and the vibration, like it’s gently shaking the worry out of my mind. Plus, I don’t think it’s possible for stress to exist while humming!
2. Moving to Music: Turn on some of your favorite music and just move. Truly feeling music can be so healing. A song I was turned onto has been my favorite to move to, it’s called “Chariot.” I love allowing my body to move freely to it – just emotions in motion (emotion = energy in motion). I sent this song to a client and she told me this morning that she listened to it on repeat and it unlocked a flood of emotions she didn’t even realize she was holding onto. Whether it’s dancing wildly or just swaying, let the music guide your body and see what it releases.
3. Shaking It Out: Stand up and shake your whole body – arms, legs, even your head. It might feel silly, but it’s incredibly effective at getting rid of stuck energy. It feels like hitting the “refresh” button on your body and mind.
4. Cold Water Therapy: Splashing cold water on your face or holding an ice cube in your hand can reset your nervous system almost instantly. It’s a quick, tangible way to bring yourself back into the present moment. Cold showers, ice baths, and putting your face in a bowl of ice water are wildly popular right now for a reason!!
5. Conversation with Feeling: This one is a bit unconventional, but so powerful. When you notice a strong emotion, like stress or anxiety, try talking to it. Literally. Say, “Hi, Stress. Why are you here? What do you need?” Acknowledge the feeling as if it’s a friend visiting for a chat. You might be surprised how quickly this practice helps you process and release it.

These somatic practices are small but powerful. So try one (or all!) the next time you’re feeling stressed or ungrounded. The key is to listen to your body and give it what it needs in the moment.

On a Personal Note…

Wow wow wow, what a year already and it’s only the 6th?!

During one of my mentorship calls, we talked about having a theme or word of the year. Reminds me of “Unravel Your Year” from 2 years ago – it’s still just as resonate today as it was back then. What is the first word that comes to your mind when I ask, “What is your heart’s one true desire for 2025?”

….

What came to mind for you?

For me, my word this year is EXPRESSION. Expressing myself more, putting myself out there, living in my truth…all the things. When I first did this practice, I felt like ‘Expression’ was silly and that I should have a different word. But then my inner whisper just kept saying, “Expression, expression, expression.” So I’m very excited to see how I continue expressing myself this year!

I hope you have a beautiful start to your 2025! Whether it’s finding solitude, gearing up for adventure, or something as simple as regulating your nervous system – I hope the start of this year sets the tone for a magical year ahead.

Love to you,
Andrea