A Dysregulated Nervous System

In a world that thrives in dysregulating a person's nervous system, choose to regulate yourself. Some people will try to provoke you or trigger you to respond negatively to their actions. They may say mean things to you, gossip about you, or create environments in which staying is unbearable. You may begin to question yourself, your worth. Are you doing the right thing by defending yourself, or is it best to stay silent?

A dysregulated nervous system presents itself in different ways: You begin to function from a place of survival: Heart racing, hands shaking, digestive issues, anxiety, and brain fog, among other symptoms. Being in an environment that puts you in survival mode is not good for the mind, body, and soul because having a chronic sympathetic nervous system activation can lead to health issues (e.g., weakened immunity, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and anxiety).

How does having a dysregulated nervous system impact your mind? Thoughts will race through your mind: Did I do something wrong here? Am I the problem? If you do not assess your values and beliefs about who you are, you will begin to believe the narrative that those who have tried to hurt you are correct, and you will convince yourself that you are the problem. This may negatively affect your self-esteem, how you socialize with others, and how you view the world.

To avoid giving in to nervous system dysregulation, remind yourself of who you are. Think about what is being said to you: Is what they are saying coming from a place to belittle you and harm you, or is it coming from a place to hurt you psychologically and emotionally? Think about what your growing and learning style is, and whether they are meeting them. In the midst of the chaos, take care of yourself. Go for walks, eat well, sleep well, and be well because your nervous system will thank you.

Proteawell (Joanie)