Regulation - Rest or Move?

Oh my, I can’t believe it’s been over a year since my last blog post!

So I wanted to write something on why sometimes just meditation or doing breathing exercises or getting an early night doesn’t work to help you feel more calm and regulated. One can feel frustrated (and even more stressed!) when what they’re trying to do to help them feel better isn’t working or even making them feel worse. In short, doing things considered as more 'restful' isn't always the right choice to help you regulate your nervous system. It depends on how you feel and what your body needs.

Sometimes we need to regulate via movement too. As much as we need sleep daily, we are also made to move, both are in our nature and so help regulate our nervous system.

When we're feeling low, sluggish and stuck we can 'up regulate' by shifting our nervous system into 'fight or flight' mode to give us a boost of adrenaline and blood flow. Intense movement can also help us get rid of excess adrenaline and cortisol when we're feeling agitated or restless.

If you feel:
- agitated
- restless
- uncertain
- disconnected
- brain fog
- racing thoughts

You need:
- yoga
- walking
- running
- weight lifting
- jumping on the spot
- going up and down the stairs

When we're feeling overstimulated, anxious and on edge we can 'down regulate' by shifting our nervous system into 'rest and digest' mode to tell our body/brain we are safe and can calm down and rest deeply.

If you feel:
- overwhelmed
- wired but tired
- can’t sleep
- palpitations
- poor immunity

You need:
- restorative yoga
- meditation
- breathing exercises
- sleep
- vagus nerve stimulation exercises

A combination of the two works perfectly well. And remember, a regulated nervous system is not one that is just ‘calm’ all the time. It is one that responds appropriately when stressed and can return to calm easily and swiftly once the stress is over.

If this interests you then why not explore my Calm & Connected programme where we go into much more detail on this topic and explore strategies. CLICK HERE for more info.