How Unwinding My Nervous System Changed My Life
- Wild Wellbeing Co
- Sep 27, 2024
- 5 min read
We live in a world that moves fast—too fast. Like many of us, I thought I was managing just fine, juggling work, family, and all the demands life threw at me. But underneath the surface, my nervous system was in overdrive. Chronic stress, constant anxiety, and sleepless nights became my norm, until one day, I realised I was running on empty. This is my story of discovering the transformative power of unwinding my nervous system and how it changed my life for the better.
The Realisation of Burnout and Chronic Stress
For years, I pushed through the signs of burnout. I woke up tired, felt constantly overwhelmed, and had a low-level anxiety that buzzed beneath the surface of my day. My sleep was restless, and my mind raced with endless to-do lists and worries. I knew something was off, but I didn't realise just how much my nervous system was crying out for help.
I tried the usual “self-care” tactics—weekend getaways, spa days, yoga classes—but nothing seemed to stick. It was like putting a band-aid on a wound that needed stitches. I was still stressed, still tired, and still struggling. The turning point came when I stumbled upon a simple concept: my nervous system was stuck in a constant state of fight or flight, and I needed help to unwind. This came at a time when I discovered the benefits of Biohacking my own health and wellbeing - oh, what a life-changing experience that was!
The Steps I Took to Unwind My Nervous System
Understanding that my nervous system was at the root of my problems was a game-changer. Instead of trying to force myself to relax with superficial fixes, I began to incorporate practices that directly addressed the health of my nervous system. Here’s what made all the difference:
1. Daily Breathwork
One of the first changes I made was incorporating daily breathwork into my routine. I started with simple diaphragmatic breathing exercises, inhaling deeply into my abdomen and exhaling slowly. This practice signalled to my nervous system that it was safe to relax, activating the parasympathetic "rest and digest" response. Over time, these few minutes of focused breathing became a cornerstone of my day, calming my mind and body whenever stress crept in.
Practice Tip:
Try 5 minutes of deep breathing in the morning or before bed. Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 2, then exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat until you feel a sense of calm.
2. Mindful Movement
I used to think that the harder I pushed myself in workouts, the better I would feel. But the intense exercise was adding more stress to my already taxed system. I began swapping high-intensity workouts for gentle yoga, stretching, and daily walks. This shift allowed me to move my body without overstimulating my nervous system, and I started to feel more at ease, both physically and mentally.
Practice Tip:
Incorporate 10-15 minutes of gentle movement each day. This could be a walk in nature, a short yoga flow, or simple stretches. Focus on how your body feels rather than how hard you’re working.
3. Reducing Screen Time
I didn’t realise how much my screen time was contributing to my anxiety until I set boundaries around it. Constant notifications, late-night scrolling, and the blue light from screens were overstimulating my nervous system, keeping me on high alert even when I was supposed to be winding down. By creating screen-free zones in my day, especially in the evening, I allowed my nervous system the space it needed to decompress.
Practice Tip:
Set a “digital sunset”—turn off screens 1-2 hours before bed. Use this time to read, journal, or do something calming away from electronics.
4. Evening Rituals
Creating a nightly wind-down routine was perhaps the most impactful change I made. Instead of rushing through the evening, I carved out time for activities that signalled to my body that it was time to rest. Gentle stretching, a warm bath, aromatherapy, and guided meditation became part of my nightly ritual. This routine not only helped me sleep better but also made me look forward to the quiet moments of the day.
Practice Tip:
Establish a calming evening routine. This could include dimming the lights, using essential oils like lavender, doing light stretches, or listening to a guided relaxation meditation.
The Transformative Benefits I Experienced
These small but consistent changes transformed my daily life in profound ways. Here are the benefits I noticed after unwinding my nervous system:
1. Reduced Anxiety
Before making these changes, anxiety was a constant companion. After integrating nervous system-focused practices, I felt calmer and less reactive to stressors. The tightness in my chest and the constant worrying began to fade.
2. Improved Sleep
For the first time in years, I was sleeping deeply through the night. I woke up feeling refreshed, with my energy restored rather than depleted. Better sleep meant better days, and this one change had a ripple effect on my overall well-being.
3. Enhanced Focus and Productivity
With my nervous system no longer stuck in survival mode, I found it easier to focus and be productive. Tasks that once felt overwhelming became manageable, and I had more mental clarity to tackle my work without constant distractions.
4. Better Relationships
The changes extended beyond just me; they positively impacted my relationships as well. I became more present, more patient, and more connected with those around me. The irritability and exhaustion that once coloured my interactions were replaced with calm and kindness.
How This Journey Changed My Life
Unwinding my nervous system was more than just self-care; it was a radical act of reclaiming my health and happiness. I learned that taking care of my nervous system was not a luxury, but a necessity. By prioritising these daily rituals, I began to feel more empowered, resilient, and in control of my life. I found a sense of peace that I didn’t know was possible.
This journey taught me that while we can’t always control the stressors in our lives, we can control how we respond to them. And by taking steps to support our nervous system, we can transform the way we feel, think, and live.
How You Can Start Your Own Journey
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in survival mode, I encourage you to start small. Incorporate one or two of these practices into your daily routine and build from there.
Listen to your body, be patient with the process, and know that change is possible. Unwinding your nervous system might just be the key to unlocking a calmer, more balanced life.
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