3 Ways to Support the Nervous System While Going through a Hard Time

A challenging period can affect your nervous system, impacting your mental and physical well-being. 

Thankfully, there are ways to support your nervous system during these difficult times so you don’t end up at rock bottom. As someone who has experienced similar struggles and continues navigating them, I want to share three valuable tips on supporting your nervous system right now. 

Incorporating these practices into your routine will cultivate resilience and help you find the strength to continue your daily life. But first…

The Effect of Challenging Times on Your Nervous System:

Challenging times can have a significant impact on the nervous system. The body's natural stress response, known as the "fight-flight-freeze" response, is activated during stressful situations. This response triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to react to perceived threats. While this response is crucial for immediate survival, prolonged stress, like dealing with a challenging period, takes a toll on the nervous system. 

During challenging periods, the nervous system can become overstimulated, leading to increased muscle tension, heightened sensitivity to pain, and difficulty regulating emotions. Chronic stress can also disrupt the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the nervous system, resulting in persistent feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive issues.

Moreover, ongoing stress can hinder the body's ability to recover and heal. The constant activation of the stress response can impair immune function, disrupt sleep patterns, and negatively impact overall well-being. It's important to recognize the impact of challenging times on the nervous system and take proactive steps to support its healing and restoration.

This leads us to the 3 steps you can take to nurture your nervous system during the next difficult time.

Create Intentional Time for Yourself During Challenging Times:

Amidst the chaos and stress, carving out intentional time for yourself is crucial. Allow your brain to pause, reflect, and feel so you can start to heal. 

Making time for meditation, journaling, breathwork, and afternoon walks in nature can provide some much-needed space for self-reflection and healing. Giving yourself permission to acknowledge and process your emotions lays the foundation for healing and growth. 

Remember, healing begins from within.

Focus on the Basics to Ground Yourself:

During challenging times, it's easy to neglect our basic needs. However, focusing on the essentials is vital for grounding yourself and supporting the nervous system. 

Learn Grounding Techniques:

Grounding is a self-soothing skill to use when you are going through challenging times, dealing with a lot of stress, overwhelming feelings, or intense anxiety.  Learning different grounding techniques can help keep you in the present moment and reorient yourself back into reality.

Regular Physical Activity helps with Grounding:

Find a form of movement that you enjoy and supports your well-being, whether it's yoga, dancing, walking, or any other activity that resonates with you. 

You don’t need an intense exercise regime during this challenging time. I encourage the opposite. Forcing yourself to go to the gym doesn’t feel the same as dancing around the kitchen to your favorite artist. Focus on finding an outlet that moves your body and brings you joy.

Prioritize a Healthy Sleep Routine:

The 3rd part of grounding yourself is prioritizing a healthy sleep routine. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming pre-sleep ritual to promote restful sleep. Having a quality sleep will rejuvenate your nervous system and enhance your overall well-being.

Seek Support from Trusted Individuals:

No one should go through a challenging time alone. Reaching out for support is as important as getting a good night's sleep. Whether you confide in a trusted loved one, seek guidance from a therapist or coach, or join a support program with individuals facing the same struggles, support will help you support your nervous system. 

​​Opening up and sharing your experiences not only lightens the emotional burden but also allows you to receive the guidance and support you need to process and heal from them.

Connecting with others who understand your situation can provide a sense of validation, reminding you that you're not alone in your struggles. Their unique perspectives and insights will aid in your healing journey and help you gain a deeper understanding of your experiences.

By practicing these three steps, I have been able to navigate stressful times without experiencing a relapse in my mental or physical health. The realization that I can support myself and overcome any obstacle with the right support from myself and others has been empowering and rewarding.

Healing is a journey, and your belief system plays a crucial role in your recovery. By embracing your strengths and building resilience, you can find solace and emerge stronger from the challenges you face.

Support your Nervous System:

When going through a difficult period, it’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of your nervous system. 

By creating intentional time for self-reflection, focusing on the basics to ground yourself, and seeking support from trusted individuals, you can support your nervous system's healing process. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. With the right practices, self-belief, and support, like the MindBody Healing Method, you have the power to overcome any challenge that comes your way and emerge stronger on the other side. 

Remember, healing is a holistic process. By integrating these crucial elements, you empower yourself to find relief, transform your journey, and embrace a life of abundance.

Take the first step towards supporting your nervous system and embracing a holistic approach to healing during difficult times by reaching out to see if the Mindbody Healing Method is right for you.

Cited: University of New Hampshire - What is Grounding?