Have you ever felt like your body and mind are stuck in a constant tug-of-war? That no matter what you try—be it medication, therapy, or sheer willpower—your symptoms just won’t budge? Here’s the truth: your nervous system might be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Think of your nervous system as the CEO of your body—it’s the one calling the shots, keeping everything running smoothly (or not so smoothly, depending on its state). When it’s balanced, you feel calm, energised, and in control. But when it’s dysregulated? That’s when the chaos begins—fatigue, inflammation, anxiety, and a whole host of other symptoms that no amount of rest or reasoning can seem to fix.
Understanding your nervous system isn’t just empowering—it’s transformational. Let’s dive into how it works, what happens when it’s out of balance, and how somatic therapy can help you reset the system that’s been running the show all along.
The Nervous System and Trauma
Trauma has a way of taking the reins of your nervous system and refusing to let go. Whether it’s a single overwhelming event or chronic stress over time, trauma disrupts the delicate balance of your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for regulating vital functions like your heart rate, digestion, and emotional responses.
When trauma strikes, your ANS flips the switch to “survival mode.” This is your fight-or-flight response—a brilliant system designed to protect you in emergencies. Your heart races, your muscles tense, and your body prepares to either fight off the threat or run like mad. But what happens when the threat is gone, and your body doesn’t get the memo?
For many people, unresolved trauma keeps the nervous system stuck in survival mode. Over time, this can lead to chronic activation of fight-or-flight (anxiety, restlessness, or hypervigilance) or even a freeze response (numbness, disconnection, or fatigue).
Your body is trying to keep you safe, but in doing so, it’s burning through your resources and leaving little energy for healing. The result? A dysregulated nervous system that can’t switch back to rest-and-digest mode—the state where true repair and recovery happen.
The Link Between a Dysregulated Nervous System and Chronic Illness
Here’s where things get interesting (and maybe a little frustrating). When your nervous system stays in a state of dysregulation for too long, it begins to impact your physical health in profound ways. Chronic inflammation, digestive issues, poor sleep, and even conditions like fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often have roots in an overworked nervous system.
Imagine this: your body is constantly bracing for impact, even when there’s no danger in sight. Over time, the wear and tear show up as chronic symptoms that no amount of medication or dieting seems to fix. Why?...the nervous system is still stuck in survival mode.
How Somatic Therapy Helps Regulate the Nervous System
So, how do you hit the reset button on a nervous system that’s been stuck in overdrive? Enter somatic therapy—a body-focused approach to healing that prioritises reconnecting you with your body’s innate wisdom. Unlike traditional therapies that focus primarily on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy works from the ground up, addressing the body’s role in processing trauma and restoring balance.
Somatic therapy helps your nervous system transition out of survival mode and back into rest-and-digest mode, where your body’s natural healing processes can finally take centre stage. Through gentle techniques like grounding, breathwork, and mindful movement, you can begin to feel safe in your body again, reduce tension, and calm your overactive stress response.
The beauty of somatic therapy is that it meets you exactly where you are. There’s no “right” way to do it—each session is tailored to what your body needs, whether that’s releasing stored tension, soothing an overwhelmed nervous system, or simply finding moments of peace in the chaos.
Practical Tips for Nervous System Regulation
You don’t need to wait for your first somatic therapy session to start regulating your nervous system—there are plenty of simple techniques you can try right now to help calm your body and mind. Here are a few favourites:
Vagus Nerve Activation
Your vagus nerve is like a reset button for your nervous system. Simple practices like humming, gargling, or even splashing your face with cold water can stimulate the vagus nerve and help bring your body back into balance.
Box Breathing
This easy breathing technique can be done anywhere and is perfect for calming an overactive mind. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and pause for four. Repeat as many times as you need to feel grounded.
Grounding Through Sensation
When your mind is racing or you feel overwhelmed, grounding can help anchor you in the present moment. Try focusing on physical sensations—notice your feet on the ground, the texture of your clothing, or the sounds around you.
Gentle Movement
Trauma and stress can leave your body feeling stiff or disconnected. Gentle movements like stretching, yoga, or even a slow walk can help release tension and restore a sense of ease.
Check out my video of a favourite regulating exercise I recommend doing, even for a short minute each day.
Remember, these practices are about building a sense of safety and calm—not about doing them “perfectly.” Healing is a process, not a race, and every small step counts.
Conclusion: Your Nervous System, Your Healing
Your nervous system is the foundation of your physical and emotional health. When it’s regulated and balanced, your body has the space it needs to rest, repair, and thrive. But when it’s stuck in survival mode, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
The good news? Healing is possible. With somatic therapy, you can begin to untangle the patterns that keep your nervous system in overdrive, reconnect with your body, and create a sense of safety from the inside out.
Ready to Take the First Step? If this resonates with you, let’s work together to support your healing journey. Book a session with me at www.therapysomatic.com or connect with me on Instagram @wholebodytherapist. Your nervous system deserves some love—and so do you.
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