A Complete Guide To Balancing Your Nervous System
BREATHE IN
By Lauren Payne | 1st March 2024This year, it’s time to slow down and ensure we’re taking care of ourselves inside and out. It’s time for us all to live slowly and mindfully by prioritising rest and ensuring our nervous system is balanced, so we can be fully present and ready to tackle whatever new and exciting adventures life sends our way.
Naturopath and Whole Health Studio Founder Tia Miers says it’s become more important than ever for people to regulate their nervous systems and find time to restore their energy each day.
“A dysregulated nervous system can interfere with your energy levels, and focus, and make you feel generally depleted,” Tia explains.
“It’s also really common for this to impact relationships at home or in the workplace, because you have a lower tolerance to stress which can then lead to overwhelm and impatience.”
If what Tia is saying is resonating with you a bit too much, you may be dealing with a dysregulated nervous system. Other signs can include low energy, low moods, irritability, reliance on coffee (three cups before 11am is a red flag!), not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep, anxiety, and feeling uncomfortable when it comes to rest or slowing down.
So, with high levels of cortisol running through our bodies, and a nervous system running on six cups of coffee a day and a lack of sleep, how can we take a step back to lower our cortisol levels and balance our nervous system?
So how can you prevent burnout before it becomes an issue?
Try meditation
According to Tia, meditation is a great way to help slow down your breathing and regulate your heartbeat. Tia recommends using the app Insight Timer for guided practices that can help beginners or anyone who can find meditation a bit tricky, stay on track.
Take adaptogens
Tia also recommends taking adaptogens to help improve your body’s response to stress. Her Energy and Stress Support capsules are formulated with a blend of three mushrooms and a series of adaptogenic herbs to assist with stamina and cognitive function.
Schedule in rest
Another way to combat stress and regulate your nervous system is by scheduling in moments of rest.
“Rest is productive too, so set aside time in your week for some slow mornings and relaxation,” Tia says.
Adjust your diet
Tia also recommends eating blood sugar-balancing meals that include a carb, protein, and fat source at every meal (including snack time!), will help regulate your energy levels and mood, keeping your cortisol at a manageable level.
Low-impact exercise
When it comes to exercising, Tia says low-impact movement is best when it comes to balancing your nervous system, rather than high-impact training.
“Sometimes when we are in a state of stress, intense exercise only makes things worse,” Tia explains. “Instead try something like Pilates, yoga or just a nice beach walk.”
Good quality sleep!
Finally, if you want to balance your nervous system, one of the easiest ways to do it is by getting enough good quality sleep.
“The brain and nervous system need time to rest and restore themselves,” Tia explains.
“Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day as this can help to reset your circadian rhythm and creating a nighttime routine is just a nice way to allow your body and mind to slow down at the end of the day.”
