Nervous System Regulation or Healing

Jane
19 hours ago
3 min read

Updated: 2 minutes ago

Are They The Same, and Does It Matter Which You Choose?

*I am not a doctor. Talk to your doctor, and feel free to do more research.

Hamster Wheel Process.

Have you ever felt that you were doing all the right things to regulate your nervous system, but somehow nothing seemed to work? You're dunking your face into a bowl of ice-cold water, you're pulling your ears, doing butterfly taps, humming, and shaking your body ... and still ... nothing. I think I have an answer for you. Could you possibly be confusing nervous system regulation with nervous system healing? They are not the same. Understanding the difference can finally lead you to a nervous system that feels safe.

Regulation vs Healing.

Nervous system regulation is when you bring yourself back to baseline when feeling uneasy. When we get overwhelmed, either our fight or flight system activates. There's the sympathetic nervous system that acts as our body's alarm. Then, there's the parasympathetic nervous system that acts as our body's brakes. One reacts to danger, while the other reacts to heal and recover.

Nervous system healing is when you do the work to get your body out of survival mode. Grounding exercises, slow breathing with intention, healthy daily habits, and creating routines that eventually lead to regulation. Healing requires more work than regulation.

What may confuse some is the fact that one can regulate without healing (though the process would still have areas that are in need of attention); however, while one can heal without regulation, it's more of a challenge to do so. A certain amount of capacity is needed to take on healing properly.

Which Comes First?

The natural question many may have is: which do I take on first - regulation or healing? The answer is both. Both are important. Neither comes first. They are both done at the same time. It's a pattern that starts to happen. Regulation is needed to heal properly. Once the healing begins, one's capacity for regulation increases. When the capacity for regulation increases, the healing can be done on a deeper level. The goal is patience. The process can't be rushed. Lean in to honor time well spent.

Fully Regulated With Areas in Need of Attention.

This goes back to what I was saying about both regulation and healing being necessary. A rhythm is created in the process. One can have an amazing regulation capacity - great healthy habits, and still can have an area that forces one to shut down or feel highly overwhelmed. This is normal. It's not a sign of failure. It's good for one to zoom in on why the reaction is or was how it was. Do the proper exercises to work on that particular area that is in need of attention, be patient, and offer compassion to yourself.

Top-Down Modalities vs Bottom-Up Modalities.

Top-Down healing is working through reframing your thoughts. Bottom-up healing focuses on healing through the body first. One isn't necessarily better than the other. Where one begins depends on individual circumstances and needs. One may need to calm the body to gain clarity through other mindful practices like journaling and talk therapy.

Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy The Journey.

So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed; get still, take a deep breath, and tell yourself, I am okay. I am safe. As a matter of fact, do it right now ... really.

Bring your right hand over to the left side of your chest by your heart. Now, take your left hand and put it over the right side of your chest ... like you would if you were about to do sit-ups.
Flap your hands near your shoulders. These are called butterfly taps.
Take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale.
Close your eyes and pay attention to your breathing.
Say: I am okay. I am safe. Say it again. One more time.

How do you feel?

Take it easy today, okay? Our nervous system loves for us to move with intention and to slow down. It doesn't know when you're racing to your vehicle to avoid being late, that you're not in danger. It doesn't know what's happening, but it reacts as if you're in danger.

Honor your body. Be very intentional about letting it know you're safe.