Discover the signals your body is giving that it’s under too much stress
Stress is not inherently bad for us. We need some stress in our lives. Oak trees exposed to storms become stronger. We’re not that different. Think of building muscle and bone strength with weights in a gym, or increasing your time and distance at park run. Problems occur when the stress is relentless and the nervous system stays ‘stuck’ in the fight/flight/freeze response.
When we are exposed to stressors, our sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight/freeze) is activated automatically. This enables us to flee from danger, defend ourselves or hide (animals play dead to deter a predator), without having to stop and think about it. Once the danger has passed, our nervous system should then go back to the parasympathetic state (rest/digest/repair).
In our busy modern lives this doesn’t always happen. From deadlines and demands at work (or school), to 24-hour news cycles, rush-hour traffic, constant ‘busyness’, and the pings, dings and rings from our devices, the stress (or what our bodies perceive as stress) never stops.
We are not meant to stay in ‘fight/flight/freeze’; it’s a temporary response to danger. In order to rest, repair, digest food, create babies and more, our bodies need to be in a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. Constant stress can also cause inflammation and suppress the immune system (cortisone is used in organ transplants for this reason, so the recipient’s body doesn’t reject the new organ). So how do you know? The following symptoms are an indication that your nervous system might be stuck in ‘fight/flight/freeze’.
Tired but Wired
You feel exhausted and plan an early night but your mind is still active and it’s a struggle to sleep
Easily Overwhelmed
Normal, everyday tasks that you used to handle easily, leave you feeling overwhelmed
A ‘Short Fuse’
You find yourself snapping at loved ones or getting irritated and agitated by minor inconveniences
Unable to ‘Switch off and rest’
You aim to sit down and watch a film or read a book, but find yourself constantly distracted and unable to relax and focus
Insomnia or Poor Sleep
Unable to sleep, waking in the night worrying about your ‘to do’ list, or tossing and turning and not feeling refreshed the next day
Digestive Issues
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and other digestive disturbances
Emotional Sensitivity
Feeling more sensitive than usual, or over-reacting
The above symptoms can all be signs of a nervous system ‘stuck’ in a sympathetic stress response. The vagus nerve is a fundamental part of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system. It runs down both sides of the body and connects the brain to our organs. It influences breathing, digestive function and heart rate.
Thankfully, there are numerous ways to support the vagus nerve and increase ‘vagal tone’, from singing, humming and gargling to deep, slow breathing, massage and more.
Kinesiology can also support your nervous system in multiple ways. Alongside the many tools and techniques we use, we also have a specific technique (and nutrients) for the vagus nerve, which can increase vagal tone and restore balance to your nervous system.
Book a free 15-minute discovery call on 07979 861577 and find out how kinesiology can support your health and wellbeing.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor