Building more capacity in your nervous system capacity means becoming an expert at what we are sensing and feeling in the present moment. Are you or a loved one struggling with your nervous systems capacity? Our nervous system is what allows us to face and process our traumas, because trauma is stored in our nervous system. Our nervous system capacity is what allows us to release trauma, as well as stress and anxiety. When we experience trauma and large amounts of stress, we can go into a form of shock and freeze, which makes it hard to release this trauma.
When we distract ourselves in these moments, we are not allowing our body and nervous system to be connected and aware in the present moment. This capacity can create our fight, flight, and freeze responses. We need to be aware of our current stimulations and feelings. It is up to us to get better at hearing and listening to our internal systems. Do you get pain when you are anxious or nervous? Do you get a headache during this time? This is our nervous system responses, which we must understand in order to build our capacity.
Steps to take to build more capacity in your nervous system
- Slow down and be more intentional. Really pay attention to what you are doing instead of getting caught in a rush.
- Do one thing at a time and take breaks, no more multitasking. When we multitask, we become overwhelmed and do not let our nervous system rest or even respond with how it is feeling.
- Reduce stimulation with less social media, phones, the news, loud spaces, etc. Being on social media, the news, or in loud and crowded spaces can over stimulate our nervous system, which can be harmful to our bodies, especially those of us who are highly sensitive.
- Create more connections with, your mind, body, and soul, as well as other individuals, and nature. When we create these necessary connections, we are allowing room for our nervous system to grow and strengthen. These connections are detrimental to our overall health and well-being.
- Learn tools and techniques specifically towards what you need. Everyone is different, which means our nervous systems work differently. We must fully listen to our bodies and learn what the right tools are for building capacity in our own unique nervous system.
Important things to know about your nervous system
- When you become regulated, this does not mean that you are always going to be calm.
- When we reconnect with our nervous system and its impact on the body and mind, we give ourselves more control over our lives.
- In order to have insight on your triggers you must understand how your nervous system responds to things.
- Everyone has a different nervous system and responses, so not every technique will work for everyone.
- In order to thrive and not just survive we must understand our nervous systems.
Understanding your nervous system takes a lot of time and effort. We have to be willing to open ourselves up and become completely aware of what we are feeling in the here and now. We can sometimes become overwhelmed with the daily tasks of life, so much that we forget to stop and listen to what our mind and body are telling us.
Do you take the time each day to sit in silence, relax, and fulling listen to what your mind and body are telling you? It is not easy for everyone to understand and work with instead of against their nervous system. Taking these steps above as well as speaking to a trained counselor are key to regulating and building the capacity within your nervous system.
