Let’s talk about nervous system regulation and quick fixes like meditation, yoga, and journaling. While these practices offer short-term relief, they can sometimes distract us from addressing the bigger picture. The ultimate goal should be to achieve a long-term sense of safety that naturally allows your body to relax—not just temporarily, but as a way of being.
The problem with relying on short-term solutions is that for someone who’s already exhausted and drained, adding a meditation routine or yoga practice to their to-do list can feel like just another source of stress. More often than not, it leads to guilt when they can’t stick to the routine. While these activities are healthy, they can’t replace a toxic environment, dysfunctional relationships, or the lack of skills needed to navigate life effectively.
We’re essentially trying to trick the psyche into believing, “You are safe now,” when the person doesn’t genuinely feel safe. For some, the source of their lack of safety may be in the past, manifesting as emotional flashbacks. Even if they have reasons to feel safe in the present, those unresolved flashbacks keep pulling them back to a state of dysregulation. In these cases, working on the level of emotional flashbacks is far more effective than simply assigning routines for temporary relief.
Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Solutions
Short-term solutions like meditation can regulate the nervous system for the duration of the activity and perhaps for a short while afterward. But after that, the person will return to their baseline, which—if shaped by trauma or stress—is a state of dysregulation. The baseline needs to change, and this requires addressing the root causes.
A more tragic example is someone stuck in a toxic environment—a relationship where they feel unloved, a job with an overbearing boss, or a life where they can’t see a way forward. These situations demand real-world solutions: improving communication skills to earn respect, setting boundaries to protect themselves, or seeking new opportunities to create a better life. Meditation and yoga can’t fix these problems. Only by tackling these real-life challenges can a person begin to feel safe within themselves and their environment.
The Impact of Chronic Stress
Imagine your nervous system running on overdrive all the time. It’s like using dirty fuel in an engine; it will eventually cause damage. Chronic stress not only changes the brain but also disrupts hormones, weakens the immune system, and leads to issues like gut problems and autoimmune disorders.
The stakes are high, which is why it’s crucial to focus on the root causes of stress rather than trying to patch things up with routines that might feel burdensome.
A Path to True Regulation
For those who love meditation, yoga, or journaling, keep doing what works for you. But if these practices feel like a burden, don’t guilt yourself for stepping away. The purpose of any practice is to reduce stress, not add to it. Focus instead on finding real-world solutions to the challenges that keep your nervous system stuck in a state of high alert. Addressing these challenges with a clear framework will help your body naturally shift into a state of relaxation, creating a healthier baseline.
The Long-Term Effects of a Dysregulated Nervous System
A chronically dysregulated nervous system can lead to severe consequences over time. Hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and even cognitive changes are just a few examples. Beyond physical symptoms, prolonged stress damages relationships, reduces self-esteem, and perpetuates cycles of unhealthy coping mechanisms like people-pleasing and codependence.
To counteract this, a multi-faceted approach is key. Antioxidants can help reduce the oxidative stress caused by chronic dysregulation, promoting cellular repair and resilience. Safe, supportive relationships create an environment where you feel seen and understood, allowing your nervous system to reset and heal. Therapeutic involvement, especially trauma-informed approaches, can guide you through unpacking emotional flashbacks, understanding your triggers, and building healthier patterns.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Change
If this resonates with you, consider joining my 5-Month Transformation Program. Through a combination of individual coaching and group coaching, we’ll tackle people-pleasing tendencies, codependence, and the root causes of your nervous system dysregulation. Together, we’ll work toward building a secure attachment style and creating the safety your mind and body need to thrive.
Start your journey to lasting change today—by contacting me at miriamtraumainformedcoach@pasthepast.com to schedule a free appoitment to find out if you are a good fit for the program.
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