Radical Rest: How to Regulate & Heal Your Nervous System through Stillness & Self-Care
"Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself."
Hermann Hesse
Stress and anxiety have become almost inevitable companions in our daily lives. Whether it's conflict at work, or at home, or in relationships, our bodies often bear the brunt of our daily challenges, leaving us feeling depleted and drained.
The nervous system is responsible for controlling and coordinating all the functions of your body, including your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
Fortunately, various holistic tools and practices can help us regain control over our nervous systems and find a sense of calm and equilibrium. In this blog, we'll explore various holistic approaches to regulate your system and nurture your overall well-being.
"Show me the ways you avoid stillness and I'll show you the patterns that run your life."
Cory Muscara
The Gift of Stillness
We each have a limited, finite amount of energy and when we're using it all to maintain our basic functions then we don't have space for creativity or service to others.
Our bodies have a permanent need for DEACTIVATION. This is a part of nature. Just like the seasons, trees lose their leaves, and animals hibernate in winter so that they can preserve energy and rebirth stronger in spring.
When we ignore our bodies need for stillness or rest, staying in a state of tension and activation, our nervous system slowly becomes less resourced and restored. Regulating the nervous system often comes down to finding moments of stillness.
It's not about doing more; it's about giving your body the gift of less. Honor the cycle of Activation/Rest throughout the day. When you don't, your body will do it for you through various survival defenses. Even pausing for a few moments can make a difference!
We hear so much about self care, about the importance of spending time for yourself, doing things for you, for your mind, but so many of us unknowingly still struggle with executing self care effectively so we feel the positive impact.
Often times we genuinely just don’t know how to slow down. Learning to rest in the right ways that suit your body, mind and lifestyle is one of the most powerful skills and habits you can develop.
Rest is anything that makes our nervous systems feel safe enough for our stress response to switch off so our body, mind and spirit can recover and restore itself. This can be
Emotional, Social Rest & Spiritual Rest
Mental & Creative Crest
Physical & Sensory Rest
In a world that is constantly pulling or pushing us, Rest is a form of Radical Self-care. REST IS RESISTANCE!
"Calmness is the cradle of power."
Josiah Gilbert Holland
Your Survival Defenses
When our energy levels drop, usually based on the time of day or due to accumulated stress, our body reacts accordingly.
When we fail to honor our systems needs, limits and capacity our nervous system does it itself through various survival defenses or trauma responses. We all have them to greater or lesser degree.
The "fight, flight, freeze, fawn" response refers to different ways individuals may react when faced with a threat, perceived danger or stressful or situation. These signs of anxiety, dysregulation and system-overwhelm are based on the body's natural instincts for self-preservation and protection.
Fight Response
Anger, Aggression, Rage
Defensiveness, Deflection, Blaming
Rumination
Projection
Hypervigilance,
Overperforming
Demanding, Controlling
Defiance
Blaming
Threatening
Resistance
Impulsivity, Loss of Control
Flight Response
Avoidance
Isolation
Distractedness
Restlessness
Preoccupation
Perfectionism
Overthinking
Overworking
Procrastination
Denial
Ignoring
Freeze Response
Immobilization
Paralysis
Dissociation
Detached/Disconnected
Shock
Shutdown
Fatigue
Numbness/Flatness
Unresponsiveness
Indifference
Zoned out/Checked out
Helplessness
Hopelessness
Apathy
Emotionally distant/unavailable
Fawn Response
People pleasing
Poor boundaries
Lack of identity
Self-abandonment
Enmeshment
Compliance
Appeasement
Over accommodation
Submission
It's important to note that individuals may display a combination of these responses depending on the situation, their personal history, and their coping mechanisms. These all are part of the body's natural stress reactions and can vary from person to person.
"Today I will do nothing... but encourage the grass to grow greener, wait for the flowers to unfurl, analyze the ambitions of robins, study the physics of squirrels, read the writing of branches on the sky, as the wind turns my unread pages. I will master the pursuit of aimlessness. Today is a holiday dedicated to boredom."
Grant Snider
Unfortunately, when you're in survival mode and your nervous system is overactivated (or depleted) it's hard to
Make informed decisions
Make healthy choices
Start or finish tasks
Connect with others
You deserve better! Our bodies yearn for an internal environment full of
abundance
compassion
self-love
and, most importantly- safety
Practice self care to recognize the signs when you are in a trauma response and be able to stay in your zone of tolerance.
Nervous system work can help to widen the window of stress tolerance, increasing your flexibility, and resilience to handle changes and shifts that are out of your control.
“Stillness is where creativity and solutions are found.”
Meister Eckhart
Your Health Barometer
The emotional and behavioral symptoms of stress will eventually manifest into the physical body, from head to toe.
Anxiety and Irritability: restlessness, irritability, racing thoughts
Mood Swings: agitation to sadness or anger.
Changes in Behavior: substance use, social withdrawal, impulsivity.
Cognitive Effects: poor concentration, memory problems, rumination
Pain & Tension: muscle tightness, headaches, migraines, or general body aches.
Digestive Issues: stomachaches, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.
Weakened Immune System: susceptible to illnesses and infections.
Changes in Appetite: overeating or undereating, weight gain or weight loss.
Sleep Disturbances: insomnia, fatigue
Respiratory Issues: asthma or causing shortness of breath.
Most of our chronic health problems can be attributed to dysregulation in our nervous system. Chronic stress, if left unmanaged, can have long-term health consequences, increasing risks of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, and other serious health conditions.
Our physical symptoms and ailments often serve as signals from our bodies, attempting to communicate that something in our lives is amiss or out of balance.
Your symptoms are indications that something in your life demands change. If your symptoms had the ability to voice their concerns, what might they express?
While it may not instantaneously change your life, expressing your frustrations IS a very pivotal aspect of the healing process. Remember, expression is what moves the body out of fight or flight!
Pay attention - is your body saying ‘no’ on your behalf? Is your chronic pain actually a mechanism of self-protection, removing you from situations or lifestyles that overwhelm you?
"Don't match their energy. Regulate yourself. Prove you can be your future self regardless of how anyone else behaves or what's going on around you"
Nicole Lepera
Unlearning, De-Programming , De- Conditioning
Many of us don't know who we are unless we are working. We are eaten away with guilt and shame when not "productive" This is a result of generations upon generations existing within systems of oppression that indoctrinated us into hyper-productivity.
As a collective, we are victims and children of so may toxic, oppressive and unjust systems which have degrade the sacred dignity of humankind:
slavery
misogyny
capitalism
war
violence
abuse
tyranny
institutionalized racism
white supremacy
patriarchy
poverty
prejudice
forced displacement
exploitation
dehumanization
discrimination
marginalization
imperialism
"Say No to urgency culture. Don't answer that email or text right way. Drive slower, walk slower. Take your time. "
Colonization taught us that...
productivity is more important than our health
we must rush everything, to complete every task with a sense of urgency
what we do or create is never enough.
you should work to the point of exhaustion,
we can't achieve "freedom" or success until we reach a certain point (in our output, in our income, in our status)
work never ends, we must always keep going
we must police and judge others work too.
If we don't consistently work to their high standards, we are considered "failures", to be rejected and discarded.
The reality: we are not meant to be constantly working, hustling, grinding. We are not meant to be running the rat race until we're hurt. We are not an endless resource to be exploited. We are human beings with needs.
Slowing down is not a threat to our safety or liberation. It. is actually essential to reconnecting and realigning with our sacred truth.
The toxic colonial worldview has suppressed our innate creative or healing energies, and severed our connection with the divine. Our power and medicine comes from deprogramming, UNLEARNING everything the colonizers taught us.
"You are not burnt out. You are Colonized. And there is no safety or security in a colonial paradigm."
Dr. Rocio Meza
Sensitive Systems
Some of us who identify as Empaths or Nuerodivergent are born with energy sensitivities. Others develop sensitivities over time due to triggers in the external world, your life experiences and learned ideas of safety.
Having a highly sensitive nervous system means that you generally have BIG FEELS and mood shifts because your nervous system responds quickly and more deeply to external stimuli. You might notice yourself feeling activated by subtle things in your environment like smells, loud sounds, certain people etc
When faced with certain physical, sensory, or emotional stimuli, a sensitive nervous system can tip into over-drive and turn on the fight-flight-fawn-freeze response in order to protect you from what it perceives as danger.
When your nervous system's response to stimuli is regularly pushing you outside of your window of tolerance that is when you know you need to take measures to release, process and expand your system so it learns a new baseline of "normal. Through on-going, consistent attunement (check-ins) we can build an internal state of loving peace and safety.
"The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good."
James Allen
A Healthy Response
Everyone has the capacity to widen their safety/comfort zone. A calm, content and regulated response to triggers or wound-activations looks like...
Feeling sensations in your body and then giving them space, leaning in
Feeling emotionally grounded and neutral
Breathing through discomfort til you get to a more relaxed neutral state
Choosing healthy coping strategies and self-soothing methods
Choosing to respond, rather than react, run or ignore
Giving yourself love and compassion for being human
Connecting to self and others
The secret to peak performance isn't more hustle and grind. It's mastering the art of rest.
It's important to pay close attention to your physical responses to various situations. Observe how you feel when recalling past events, when irritated or frustrated, and when experiencing anger. These observations help us become aware of our attitudes, feelings, and reactions.
"I always forget how important the empty days are, how important it may be sometimes not to expect to produce anything, even a few lines in a journal. A day when one has not pushed oneself to the limit seems a damaged, damaging day, a sinful day. Not so! The most valuable thing one can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of a room. "
May Sarton
Holistic Tools & Techniques
If you struggle with anxiety or past trauma, you probably spend a decent chunk of time in fight or flight. When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, you may feel sweaty, have an elevated heart rate, have trouble sitting still and focusing, or feel jittery.
Its imperative to get out of a state of fight or flight and tap into your parasympathetic nervous system so that your body can rest and digest.
Healing is REST, but it is also ACTION. Nervous system regulation involves taking intentional steps to manage and maintain the health of your nervous system, which is one of highest forms of selfcare.
Taking care of your nervous system can help
reduce stress
improve mood
boost energy levels
enhance cognitive function
support a healthy body
improve relationships with others.
By prioritizing nervous system regulation, you are prioritizing and investing in your overall health and happiness. Below are some gentle grounding tools to help guide your nervous system back to a place of balance & calm. From here we can care for ourselves and others more deeply
Schedule your core healing practices in the morning when your system has more resources. In this way, you help the system to receive, process and integrate the practices.
"If you don't choose a time to rest, your body will choose for you."
S.T.O.P
Take notice of the state your nervous system may be in right at this moment. What are you noticing in your body? What does it feel like? What sensations are present? What feelings are coming up?
If you find yourself in a HYPER-aroused or HYPO-aroused state, it's important to tend to yourself more compassionately and more intentionally. First, remember the situation is difficult, AND temporary.
If you’re feeling triggered, remember to S.T.O.P:
Stop What You’re Doing. Pause for a moment. Don’t react in the heat of the moment or when your emotions feel intense.
Take a Step Back. Separate yourself from the situation for a moment. Take 3 deep breaths. Inhale through the nose and exhale out of the mouth to settle your nervous system.
Observe Observe your experience just as it is. Notice whatever thoughts, feelings, and sensations are present. Practice observing without judgment. As you learn to attune deeper to your system throughout the day, you'll notice the time when the defenses are dominant is less and less.
Proceed Mindfully. Think before acting. How would you like to respond? How will your actions impact you, others, & the situation? Act with pure intention.
This framework can help you practice responding mindfully so that you can react in a way that you feel good about.
Mindful Breathing
One of the simplest and most effective ways to regulate your nervous system or to quiet racing thoughts and emotions is through mindful breathing. Deep, slow diaphragmatic breaths or paced breathing help promote healthy lymphatic flow, reduce your heart rate and activates your vagus nerve, which is connected to the body's parasympathetic nervous system and thus, relaxation response to allow you to feel calm and safe. Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your daily routine, taking a few moments to inhale and exhale with intention to reduce stress and improve your overall mental and emotional well-being. Repeat these as many times as needed.
Inhale for 4, hold for 1, exhale for 6
Generate heavy audible sighs
Blow on your thumb
Box breathing
Physiological sigh. (2 short, sharp breaths through the nose followed by deep exhale)
"Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment."
Thich Nhat Hanh
Meditation
Meditation and mindfulness practices are powerful tools for regulating the nervous system. They encourage present-moment awareness and reduce the brain's stress response. Engaging the parasympathetic nervous system through meditation and mindfulness can help slow down your heart rate and lead your body into a state of relaxation. Regular meditation not only calms the mind but also enhances your ability to handle stress, promoting emotional resilience and balance. Meditation helps us stop worrying about things you can't control.
To deepen this awareness, find a quiet, comfortable space, close your eyes, and take deep, calming breaths. Feel the weight of gravity in your feet, in your seat, in your core. Sink down into the earth. Reflect on how your body supports you and how you respond to this support. Express gratitude to your body for the moments when you feel calm, positive, and loved, and for the times when you experience positive self-esteem and leadership.
Conclude the meditation by thanking your body and your spiritual self for the good health and support they offer. With a sense of deep appreciation, slowly and gently return to your surroundings. This practice underlines the importance of taking responsibility for our attitudes and emotions, ultimately influencing our overall well-being.
"Our bodies want us to stop. The earth wants us to stop. Slowing down is not frivolous, a luxury or privilege. It is your divine human right."
Tricia Hersey
Spiritual Connection
Call upon your ancestors to remove the conditioning and coding you have to any toxic paradigms. systems and environments. Ask for them to heal your pain and wounds and redirect you to your sacred work & medicine. Feel them, honor them, listen to them, and connect to them through regular prayer and blessings.
Across all timelines, portals and dimensions...
May we heal from our wounds and scars from the darkest chapters in our history
May we abolish all toxicity, despair and suffering
May we reestablish our identity and take back our power
May we spread love, healing, and growth and sow magic and beauty
May the land we love feed us and nourish us,
May the sky we love cleanse us and restore us
May sacred Mother live in our mind, body, spirit, and guide us through our days
May the great Father, protect us and provide wisdom and rest through our days
May we all live life to its fullest, in community and connection, one with the changing seasons
May we all have the ability and power to do, create and love as we please
May we rest and relax daily and experience the joys. ofabundance, leisure and play
May we see the dignity, beauty, and worth of every human being.
May we be filled with hope for a more just future
May harmony and peace reign
And so it is.
Rest & Regeneration
Getting adequate (7-10), uninterrupted and consistent sleep is essential for regulating the nervous system and reducing stress levels. Another big part of healing is allowing yourself to slow down to just be, and just listen to what your body is asking for. Dedicate your time to which ever SINGULAR task you choose that regulates your nervous system and allows your mind and body the best possible chance to recover and restore This may look like:
Going to bed early or sleeping in late
Taking afternoon naps
Cancelling plans
Unplugging from all technology and screens
Having a "do-nothing" day or weekend
Allowing others to take care of you
Asking for help
Turning off all sources of light or sound
Reading quietly
Watching a show or movie you love
Instead of saying or thinking "I did nothing" remind yourself and others that you prioritized your needs, listened to your body or took a mental health day. There is no shame in taking time for yourself!
"Show me the ways you avoid stillness and I'll show you the patterns that run your life. Desires that arise in stillness are aligned with our Soul. Action informed by stillness is your Purpose. Inner stillness creates outer radiance."
Cory Muscara
Unwind & Unplug
The ultimate bedtime routine:
REFLECT
Journal on gratitude, planning and productivity
1. What happened today that I’m grateful for?
2. Which actions moved me towards my goals?
3. Are there any changes I can make?
4. What are the 3 biggest to-dos for tomorrow?
DISCONNECT
Go screen free with the following activities
4-7-8 Technique: Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and slowly exhale for 8 seconds.
Reading an inspiration story or information
"Instead of asking 'Have I worked hard enough to deserve rest?' start asking, 'Have I rested enough to do my most loving, meaningful work?'"
Loving Presence
Distracting and refocusing your mind can be very helpful, especially when you feel yourself spiraling. Aim to activate all your senses. Practicing intentional sensory deprivation - cecreasing screen time and disengaging from technology is also extremely important. Reduce your mental stimulation and allow your mind to take long periods of time off from the consumption of media.
Do a body scan, checking in with all parts of your body
Use the famous grounding technique: Think of .... 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear , 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste
Close your eyes and imagine your ideal paradise- what does it look like, feel like, sound like?
Count backwards from 100
Count something you can see, like books on a shelf
Eat slowly and savor every bite
Designate 'Digital Detox Days' and focus fully on off-grid activities or hobbies
Create screen-free zones in your home
Turn off phone notifications
Be intentional with your screen time, making sure your time is productive or enjoyable so you don't get lost in mindless scrolling
Journal about all of the things you're grateful for
Do a "Brain Dump" of whatever is on your mind
Read a book
Try noise cancelling headphones
To be silent the whole day long
To see no newspaper
to hear no radio
to listen to no gossip
to be thoroughly and completey lazy, thoroughly and completely indifferent to the fate of the world
is the finest medicine a man could ever give himself.
Henry Miller
Embracing Wu Wei
In Chinese Wu wei means non-doing or 'doing nothing'. It is "effortless action", a pleasant invitation to relax and is the noblest kind of action according to the philosophy of Daoism – and is at the heart of what it means to follow Dao or 'The Way.' The concept revolves around the philosophy of aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe, emphasizing harmony, spontaneity, and intuitive action. Implementing wu wei in daily life involves adopting a mindset of allowing events to unfold naturally, without unnecessary interference or struggle, or the desire to control or manipulate. Rather than exerting force or effort, it encourages individuals to act in accordance with the flow of natural course of events, trusting their instincts and inner wisdom.
In Human Design, passivity and rest hold significant importance, particularly for energy types governed by Emotional, Sacral, or Splenic authorities. These individuals are advised to embrace periods of rest and passivity, allowing themselves the time and space to absorb external stimuli or emotional waves before making decisions or taking action. By allowing situations to unfold and responding only when something resonates or aligns with their internal truth, these energy types can make choices that are authentic and in harmony with their design. In Human Design this is considered essential to avoid feeling pressured or rushed, allowing for a clearer understanding of what genuinely aligns with their inner guidance, fostering more authentic and fulfilling life choices.
"Switch your phone off, tune in to your body and breath and watch. as all of the missed calls and unread messages come in from your Higher Self and Spirit."
Conscious or Intuitive Movement
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to stimulate lymphatic flow and the bodies natural detoxifying functions. Activities like yoga can have a profound soothing impact on your nervous system because it combines breath control, movement, and mindfulness, making it a holistic approach to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost overall well-being. Other forms of restorative movement can help release excess adrenaline and stuck energy in the nervous system.
To Regulate:
Restorative Yoga
Legs Up the Wall pose
Sun Salutations
To Release:
Stretching
Bouncing, Shaking, Swaying
Ecstatic dance
Walking, jogging, rebounding, swimming
Isolated muscle contraction
How sad that baseline human activities like singing, dancing and making art got turned into "skills" to good at, instead of being seen as everyday behaviors - the way birds sing and bees make hives.
HONOR YOUR PACE
Your own rhythm and speed is perfect as it is. Often the pace of capitalism is too fast, especially for neurodivergent or chronically ill people, empaths, creatives and healers. You may not ever feel like you have the same "output, balance or functionality as those around you when even the simplest everyday tasks and basic needs feel overwhelming
managing bills
managing hygiene
making an income
maintaining relationships
maintaining self care
To feel less exhaustion, stress shame, comparison and burnout repeat affirmations and have patience with yourself in all things.
"I create my dreams faster when I approach life and work with my own unique pace and style"
"I move at the speed of my body, not the mind."
"It’s okay to take my time and go slower than others"
"My pace allows for reflection, growth, and balance."
"I release the pressure to rush and embrace the value in taking things slow."
"I honor my rhythm and trust that all things unfold in perfect timing."
"I achieve greatness by moving steadily and thoughtfully."
"I am winning when I stay in my own race, on my own path."
Social norms and standards don't always serve us. The typical life path may not be a fit for you. Do what you actually need to, not how you think you should.
"You dance with Time when you decide it is your partner, not your master."
'Do Nothing' Days
All of us need a “No Tech Tuesday" or day to unplug every once in a while. if this idea makes you feel guilty, look at it through the lens of ...
giving your body the rest it deserves
refueling yourself to prevent burnout
putting yourself first for a change
living softly and gently, just for a time
Herbal Remedies
Many herbs and plant-based remedies have calming and soothing properties for the nervous system, helping promote a sense of peace, balance and emotional equilibrium. Some herbs are also known for their lymph-cleansing properties.
Drink herbal teas like dandelion, lemon balm, clover, echinacea, chamomile, lavender, oat straw and valerian root
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils through diffusion or touch with scents like lavender, chamomile, frankincense, and bergamot
Other herbal wellness supplements include st johns wort, ginseng, rhodiola, ashwaganda,
Sorry I didnt finish my to-do list...
I forgot how going slow was better for my nervous system
I remembered to prioritize my health and happiness
I was busy reclaiming my human right to rest and relaxation
I'm no longer letting my capitalist conditioning trap me in the delusion of inadequacy
I needed to put my bare feet in the soft grass
I realized I put too much on there
I was busy remembering I am. apart of nature and the cosmos, not a robot
My higher self told me to rest
I'm incubating in stillness so that my best ideas and inspiration will find me
I was busy controlling my relentless need to push myself harder
I'm listening to what my body needs
I was busy de-coupling my worth from my productivity
Bunny Michael, Emmy Marie
Nutrition & Hydration
Your diet plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, including your nervous system health. Water helps flush out toxins from the body and supports healthy lymphatic flow and function
Eat the Rainbow
Incorporate whole, nutrient-dense foods that are rich in antioxidants, fiber, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins to support brain health and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Avoid packaged and processed foods that are full of salt, sugar and artificial ingredients
Limit alcohol and caffeine which overstimulate the nervous system
Aim to drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day.
Explore Intermittent Fasting
Keep your blood sugar regulated
Eat mindfully - eat slowly, savoring each bite and only if you are really hungry. Eat until comfortably full.
Supplements like l-theanine, magnesium and melatonin can help regulate calming, mood regulating neurotransmitters
“Slowing down is not a function of speed. It is a function of awareness, and I don’t want to make awareness a mental construct. It’s a function of presence.”
Bayo Akomolafe
Sound Therapy
Instruments like singing bowls or tuning forks can have a profound impact on the nervous system. The vibrations and frequencies produced by these tools promote relaxation and stress reduction. Incorporating sound therapy into your wellness routine can help you achieve a state of inner balance. Other forms of sound therapy
Listening to binaural beats or Solfeggio Frequencies
Humming, Singing, Chanting
Listening to a calming or enlightening podcast or audiobook
Nature Connection
Spending therapeutic time in nature, often referred to as "forest bathing" or ecotherapy, can be deeply grounding and calming for the nervous system. Nature offers a serene environment that allows you to disconnect from the stressors of modern life and reconnect with your inner equilibrium.
Bask in the sunlight
Touch the grass, dirt, mud, water.
Walking barefoot on natural ground (Earthing)
Put on nature sounds
"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribeably magnificent world in itself."
Henry Miller
Creative Exploration
Engaging in creative outlets, such as art, music, or writing, can assist the nervous system by reducing stress hormones, promoting relaxation, and enhancing neural connectivity. Art therapy encompasses a wide range of creative processes and activities that help individuals explore their emotions, express themselves, and improve mental health and well-being.
Free drawing, doodling or coloring
Mandala Drawing or Nature Mandalas
Drawing emotions or creating visual representations of feelings through colors, lines and shapes.
Collage, sculpture, mixed media and other mediums
Admiring and appreciating art (passive enjoyment)
"Hustle culture celebrates nervous system dysregulation. Normalize breaks, pauses, protecting your peace, prioritizing rest and recovery without calling it 'lazy'."
Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system serves to keep our internal systems clean by collecting and eliminating toxins. It depends on our physical movements and internal states of peace and healthy self-esteem to function effectively. The lymphatic system helps in managing inflammation, and research suggests that excessive inflammation can affect the nervous system. When we experience chronic stress, or repeated fear, rejection, or lack of love, it becomes challenging for the lymphatic system to perform its essential cleansing functions. Here are some ways to help drain and detox the lymphatic system for optimum performance:
Dry brushing your skin with a natural bristle brush before showering can help stimulate the lymphatic system. Start at your feet and brush upwards in gentle, sweeping motions toward the heart.
Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to improve circulation, release tension, and promote healing.
A professional lymphatic massage can be highly beneficial for detoxification, encouraging lymphatic flow and reduce congestion.
Soaking in a warm bath with herbs and Epsom salt can promote detoxification and encourage lymphatic flow. The magnesium in Epsom salt is beneficial for the lymphatic system.
Some individuals may benefit from wearing compression garments, which help prevent swelling and promote circulation.
There are four natural sanctuaries in life: Silence, Solitude, Stillness & Simplicity
Cold Therapy
Sinking your face in a bowl of ice-cold water to activate the “dive reflex" and the vagus nerve, which in turn stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, easing stress and anxiety. It also increases blood flow to my brain and organs and boosts HRV (Heart Rate Variability).
Alternating between hot and cold water in the shower can stimulate lymphatic flow. Sauna followed by ice-bath will have a similar effect.
Try splashing cold water on your face, or even just holding an ice pack to your face or hands. The shock of cold temperature can bring you back to the present moment and interrupt those overwhelming emotions.
Each day, make sure your inner child knows that no one is coming to shame them for sitting down or slowing down. This is true rest.
Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic touch can alleviate stress and promote relaxation by releasing serotonin and oxytocin.
Practice Self-soothing touch such as gentle tickling, squeezing, rocking, hugging, or holding self.
Use a Weighted blanket to provide deep but gentle pressure or stimulation
Massage therapy aids in regulating the nervous system by reducing stress hormones like cortisol, enhancing relaxation, and promoting the release of feel-good neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) can bring both physical and mental calmness. Start from your toes and work your way up, tensing and relaxing each muscle group. Feel the release of tension and savor the soothing sensation.
Acupuncture, through the stimulation of specific pressure points on the body, influences the nervous system by triggering the release of endorphins, which can alleviate pain and stress while promoting a state of relaxation.
EFT/Tapping stimulates the body's energy systems and helps rewire the brain by interrupting negative thought patterns and emotional charges associated with traumatic events.
Reiki healing
"Before capitalism, humans created - song, art, dance, sculpture, poetry, ritual - for the sake of creating without any prize of career advancement or institutional prestige and acknowledgement.
Because we were moved. Because. we wanted to acknowledge something divine beyond us. Because it deepened our relationship with ourselves and eachother. Because it felt good.
Because we were overflowing with an abundance of something (energy, ideas, love, feelings) and we desired to gift that in tangible form to our communities, no matter how ephemeral or fleeting.
If you desire magic, then first notice magic.
Acknowledge it. and amplify it with your attention and gratitude, collecting sparks of magic until you are a vortex of magical moments and experiences amplified by the prism of your attention filtered through the uniqueness of your being.
If you set an intention to experience more magic, you will. And being filled with magic in the vessel of your being, the overflow will become the art that you create if you choose to do so."
Yumi Sakugawa
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries can alleviate stress and anxiety by providing a sense of control and security, thereby promoting a state of calm and balance and allowing the nervous system to function more effectively. YOU, and you alone, have the ability to choose where you time and energy go. And if a situation disrupts your peace or well-being, It's not for you.
Here's how to finally put yourself first:
START
reassessing your priorities
instilling stronger boundaries for your time and energy
doing whats best for you even if hurts or bothers other people
STOP
overcommitting to plans
showing up where you don't feel valued
forcing connections that don't feel aligned
spending your time/energy on people or in places that don't equally receive, receivedreciprocate or replenish
denying your truth and pretending you're ok with something that doesn't feel right
"If you don't say 'no', your body will say it for you through physical symptoms and chronic illness"
Gabor Mate
Social Connection
While many default to solitude for healing, we can't overlook the value of genuine human connection. Through the experience of bonding and the feelings of belonging, acceptance, trust, empathy, and compassion we can foster a deep sense of safety and security. Healthy relationships aid in regulating the nervous system by triggering the release of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Additionally, helping others can shift our focus away from our own worries and concerns, allowing us to experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Co-regulation is a gift we can share with others, but only when we ourselves are grounded and centered.
Seeking emotional support from others
Petting an animal
Engaging in acts of kindness or service- helping others, volunteering, donating time or resources
Laughter
Prioritize authentic, high-vibe people
Hugging a loved one
Giving a compliment
Pay attention to what relationships deplete and drain your energy, vs which revive and restore you
Hold space for others in distress- it's ok to simply share your vibration, not your advice or lecture
"Haste is a form of violence.”
Feng Shui
Being in healthy interior environments can positively impact our nervous systems by reducing anxiety and stress. Thoughtfully arranged spaces following Feng Shui principles contribute to a sense of calm, comfort and overall wellbeing. Factors such as natural light, proper furniture placement, color choices, and clutter reduction play significant roles in creating spaces that promote relaxation consequently benefiting our nervous system's health and functionality.
Decluttering can help regulate the nervous system by reducing visual and mental stimuli, which minimizes stress triggers and creates a calmer environment. A tidy space promotes mental clarity, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of control, positively impacting overall nervous system function. Get ready to start removing excess not just in your home and office spaces but across all areas of your life in what you eat, see, and spend time with.
Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk and affirmations can influence the nervous system by shifting thought patterns and emotions toward optimism, safety and self-assurance. This practice helps in reducing anxiety and negative thought cycles, thereby promoting a calmer mental state and supporting healthier nervous system function.
I am taking care of myself today, however that looks
My power lies in how I respond to all situations with self-compassion and confidence
I have permission to seek comfort and safety whenever I need it
My body is on my side, my greatest teammate
I am resilient and equipped to handle all of life's challenges
My value and worth lies in what I do each day to make a difference to others
I accept myself and others exactly for who they are
Let’s change the narrative from “Do More” to “Just Be.”
Life will function at the pace you decide to function, and your mental and physical health will thank you.
Stay Curious & Compassionate
Approach stillness with curiosity, viewing it as an opportunity to delve deeper into understanding yourself and the underlying forces (hidden emotions or challenges) shaping your life, and those valid reasons why you resist slowing down.
Embrace the inherent vulnerability and risk in stillness, avoiding the urge to rush or push through discomfort. Instead, adopt a gentle approach, allowing yourself to gradually explore and integrate all aspects of yourself.
By meeting discomfort with curiosity and compassion, you can effectively address destructive patterns and move forward in a meaningful and sustainable way.
"I read and write, and pet my animals, and try to feel the pulse of being alive, and listen to the spirits in the air, and feel the tilting of the earth."
John Ehle
"Saving the Day"
After a long day of work, tune in and ask yourself what YOU want to do or need. Practice anything that let's you recalibrate, balance, find your power and feel like yourself again.
a cup of tea
a long walk
a yoga stretch
art
music
connection
"Timelines are fake. You are not behind"
The Illusion of Time
The concept of time can often create an illusion that we need to achieve certain milestones by specific ages, but this mindset can be limiting and unhelpful. The idea that we must hit societal markers by certain ages is arbitrary, and it’s freeing to realize that life unfolds on its own schedule. Life doesn’t follow a linear timeline, and trying to force it into one can lead to unnecessary stress and self-criticism.
Learning to ride a bike at 8
Getting a driver’s license at 26
Graduating college at 30
There is no right way to live, and veryone’s journey is unique. What truly matters isn’t the timeline but the progress we make in our own time. You're not behind, you're simply on your path—and that’s exactly where you need to be.
"Rest will never feel urgent to those who don't understand the violence of exhaustion. In a world that uses the body as currency, rest is sacred defiance. It is a reminder we will not be owned."
Cole Arthur Riley
Welcoming Inner Safety
It can be challenging to sense a “yes” in our system when we've only known the feelings of tension, anxiety, or rumination .
While feeling unsafe in our body is often LOUD (pain, bracing, thought spirals, scanning rooms), feeling Safety in our body is often QUIET. It’s the subtle shift in our breath, the ease in our eyes, the softness in our shoulders, the ability to be here, now.
So pay attention! Notice. where and when and with whom does your
breath become easy?
body soften?
gaze relax?
engagement increases?
presence heightens?
connection strengthens?
These are the places and spaces where time flows. This is where you want to spend more time in.
Top performers don't outwork you. They out-recover you.
Wrapping it Up
The myth: Rest is for the weak
The truth: Rest is a competitive advantage
These skills require practice and patience. They might not bring instant relief, but with time, they can become powerful tools in your health and well-being arsenal.
The more we nourish our nervous system, the more we expand our capacity for both chaos AND stability.
monotony (or variety)
consistency (or inconsistency)
the mundane (or the exciting)
All of it is beautiful, necessary and worthwhile.
Healing your nervous system is a holistic journey that requires on-going self-compassion and patience. By incorporating a variety of holistic wellness tools into your daily life, you can find a sense of balance and overall well-being, helping you navigate life's challenges with greater peace, resilience and serenity.
As we go through life's ups and downs, rest assured knowing that there are other wellness modalities to help us create harmony and balance in our lives. Take the first step to full-spectrum abundance and unlock your true potential with the teachings and tools Feng Shui and Human Design. Embark on a transformative journey by scheduling a consultation today.
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"Remember, you're not healing to be able to better handle your triggers and traumas. You're mastered those. You're healing to be able to better handle joy, abundance and accept happiness and love into your life."
Erin is a certified feng shui consultant, energy healer, wellness coach, and holistic growth strategist.
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