How Long Will It Take You To Regulate Your Nervous System?
You may have heard the term “regulated nervous system” or have heard therapists mention to you that it’s important for you to regulate your nervous system. But how long does nervou system regulation take? It’s natural to want to put a time frame on this process before you commit to getting started. However, once you get to know more about what nervous system regulation truly is, you will realize that it isn’t a destination. It’s a process. Let’s dive in.
A Regulated Nervous System Means Flexibility
It's a common misbelief that a regulated nervous system means that you’re calm all the time. However, this isn’t true. Having a regulated nervous system means having the flexibility to move in and out different nervous system states as needed. You’re not made to stay in one state indefinitely–unfortunately no one can sustain a clam, cool, and collected demeanor at all times. However, it’s important that you’re able to come back to a state of regulation if there isn’t an immediate threat to your survival.
That means that with a regulated nervous system, you’re able to flow through different states. You’re able to calm yourself down once you realize that you’re not in danger. Otherwise, you’ll be in a constant state of fight/flight mode or shutdown in survival mode/freeze.
Teach Your Nervous System That It Is Safe
In order to achieve this flexibility you have to learn how to come out of survival mode. In order to bring yourself out of survival mode, you will need to determine what puts you in survival mode. Your nervous system may be perceiving threats to your environment that aren’t there due to past trauma and triggers. These triggers can cause chronic stress or a chronic freeze response. In order to overcome these triggers, spend time reflecting and determining what they are. What makes you anxious, nervous, or afraid?
In order to come out of survival mode or to move out of a chronic state of stress, you have to teach your nervous system what safety feels like. This can be done through holistic approaches like somatic experiencing, nourishing your physiology through nutrition, and supporting your body at a cellular level.
Move into a Regulated State
Understanding all of the different states of your nervous system, how to have flexibility, and what your triggers are can help you relieve stress and move into a regulated state.
Doing these things will also help you increase your stress tolerance so you aren’t as quick to move into survival mode. To move into a regulated state, nourish your physiology with compassion one moment at a time. And don’t feel like you have to meet a deadline!
Nervous system regulation isn’t a destination, it’s a commitment to nourishing your mind, body, and soul with compassion. So, there is no quick answer as to how long it will take you to regulate your nervous system. Regulation is a process. It takes real commitment.
If nervous system regulation feels unachievable on your own, or even if you feel that you could just use some guidance, I’m here to help. I just launched The Nervous System Reset to help people like you achieve regulation. The Nervous System reset is a 9 week journey in which you will work closely with me–a licensed trauma therapist– in understanding your physiology. I will help you provide the exact support your body's been missing to become emotionally & physically resilient. Learn more about The Nervous System Reset here. And if you would like to stay in touch, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.
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