How to Calm an Over Active Nervous System

How to Calm an Overactive Nervous System: Your Ultimate Guide

Hello, friends! Welcome to Restored Minds. In today’s episode, we dive deep into calming an overactive nervous system. If you’re new here, I’m Matt Cottey, founder of Restored Minds. For personalized help on your journey to recovery from conditions like OCD, panic, anxiety, and chronic pain, visit RestoredMinds.com. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you find our content helpful!

Understanding Your Nervous System

Before we get into calming techniques, it's crucial to understand the polyvagal theory, which visualizes your nervous system as a reverse stoplight:

• Green

  : Safe

• Yellow

  : Fight or flight

• Red

  : Freeze

Identifying Your State

1. Red State: This is a shutdown mode, often triggered by sudden, significant changes like job loss or a breakup. You’ll feel stuck, finding it hard to take action. To move out of this state, begin by physically moving your body.

2. Yellow State: This fight or flight mode brings hyper-energy and anxiety. Symptoms include insomnia and digestive issues because your body senses a threat. Here, the goal is to reassess why your nervous system is overactive.

Key Strategies to Calm an Overactive Nervous System

1. Move Towards Safety

   • Behavioral Messages

     : The goal is to signal safety to your nervous system through non-resistant behavior.

   • Avoid Paradoxical Loops

     : Resist the urge to constantly fix your feelings, which signals danger to your nervous system.

2. Accept and Allow Feelings

   • Emotional Release

     : Suppressed emotions can manifest as physical issues like chronic pain. Understanding this can help you address the root cause.

3. Communicate Safety to Your Body

   • Non-Resistance

     : The key to calming the nervous system lies in allowing uncomfortable sensations rather than resisting them.

   • Safety First

     : Trust in your innate ability to heal. Your body knows how to return to a safe, ‘green’ state.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Constant Fixing

  : Trying to change symptoms directly fosters a resistance loop.

• Suppression of Emotions

  : This leads to additional problems like chronic pain and anxiety disorders.

The Paradox of Healing

Healing isn't about forcefully changing the state of your nervous system. Instead, it's about fostering an environment of safety and non-resistance. Your body knows how to return to a balanced state; your role is to allow this process to happen naturally.

Practical Steps for Calming Your Nervous System

1. Regular Movement

   : Physical activity helps in transitioning from a frozen state to a more balanced one.

2. Mindful Acceptance

   : Accepting your emotional and physical state without immediate resistance.

Final Thoughts

To tackle an overactive nervous system effectively, shift your approach from resistance to acceptance. Techniques like mindful acceptance and understanding your emotional state play a critical role. For deeper dive and personalized guidance, explore our resources at RestoredMinds.com or consider coaching sessions.

If you found this guide helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it to help others. Until next time, take care and stay well