What are the benefits of regulating your nervous system?
The nervous system plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis, processing sensory information, and facilitating communication between different body parts.
Understanding how this system functions is essential for addressing issues related to trauma, anxiety, and overall health, particularly within a somatic approach to therapy and coaching.
The Different Branches of the Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a complex network of cells and fibres that coordinates actions and sensory information by transmitting signals to and from different parts of the body. Think of it as a bit like fibre optic broadband. It sends signals around the body, regulating our mood and response from social and environmental cues.
The PNS consists of all the nerves outside the central nervous system (or CNS, which consists of the brain and spinal cord). The PNS includes the somatic nervous system, responsible for voluntary muscle movements and the transmission of sensory information, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.
The autonomic system is further divided into the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' activities.
Why Regulation is So Important
Regulating the nervous system is important in our busy lives, where we frequently face stressors that can lead to reactions that feel out of control. In today’s world, it’s common to juggle demands from work, social connections, and technology, which can heighten anxiety and overwhelm. When stress becomes excessive, our nervous system can enter a state of dysregulation. This makes us feel constantly on alert, impacting our overall health—both mentally and physically.
When we nurture a well-regulated nervous system, we unlock benefits like improved emotional stability, sharper focus, and better decision-making skills. It helps us respond more thoughtfully to challenges instead of reacting out of fear or anxiety. This balance builds resilience, making it easier to handle life's pressures.
Regulating the Nervous System and Parts Work
Regulating the nervous system is especially crucial for those of us who are processing difficult life events through parts work (or any other kind of therapeutic modality).
When we are stuck in a state of dysregulation, we might find ourselves trapped in a cycle of triggers, resulting in ongoing distress. Our wounds can become very activated, leading to us feeling very reactive to situations going on around us. As one client said to me recently, we can have massage, eat well, drink lots of water and take supplements and those things are great and very much a part of the picture, but if we don’t work with our parts, we don’t feel better.
Somatic therapies are designed to help connect the sensations we start blocking in body because they feel horrible with the processing power of our mind. They build a bridge between somatic experiencing and cognitive understanding. Enabling the processing and release of stored trauma, leading to healthier ways of coping. And a fuller and more joyful life over time.
In a world that repeatedly emphasises productivity over wellbeing, prioritising the regulation of our nervous system is essential for maintaining our mental and physical health. It can lead to a deeper sense of inner peace and fulfillment, allowing us to thrive rather than just survive.
Benefits of Regulation
Nervous system regulation has several key benefits that can significantly enhance overall wellbeing and daily functioning.
Improved Stress Management: Regulation of the nervous system helps individuals cope better with stress. By promoting a balanced autonomic nervous system, individuals can shift from a state of fight-or-flight to a more relaxed state, reducing anxiety and enhancing resilience.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation: A well-regulated nervous system supports improved emotional stability. This can lead to better control over emotions, reduced mood swings, and an increased ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Better Physical Health: Nervous system regulation can contribute to physical health by lowering levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol. This can, in turn, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, and promote healthier immune function.
Improved Sleep Quality: A balanced nervous system improves sleep patterns and quality. Individuals may find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, which is crucial for overall health and cognitive function.
Increased Focus and Cognitive Function: Regulation of the nervous system can enhance concentration and cognitive clarity. A calm state allows for better processing of information, decision making, and creative thinking.
Greater Mind-Body Connection: Engaging in practices that support nervous system regulation fosters a stronger mind-body connection. This synergy can lead to heightened awareness of bodily sensations and emotions, improving self-care and overall mental health practices.
Enhanced Relationships: With improved emotional regulation and communication skills, individuals can cultivate healthier relationships. A regulated nervous system allows for greater empathy, patience, and understanding when interacting with others.
Resilience to Trauma: Regulation techniques can help individuals better process and recover from traumatic experiences. A resilient nervous system contributes to a sense of safety and stability, aiding in healing and recovery.
Overall, nervous system regulation plays a vital role in enhancing mental, emotional, and physical well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
If you’d like to work one to one with me, take a look at my psychotherapy page. Or I have group sessions on the second and third Saturdays of each month.
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Namaste
Claire x
