Nervous System Reset: Self-Care Strategies

Soul Wide Open with Michelle Renee

Importance of Regularly Resetting and Regulating the Nervous System

In a podcast episode, Michelle Rene stresses the critical importance of regularly resetting and regulating the nervous system for overall well-being. She shares personal experiences and techniques that have aided her in this aspect, highlighting the significance of being in tune with one's nervous system and recognizing when it needs to be reset.

1. Cold Therapy: Michelle mentions how ending her showers with cold water or taking ice baths helps slow down the body's systems, and promotes a healthy nervous systtem, among other benefits for the body. This practice of exposing the body to cold sensations aids in calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.

2. Recognizing Warning Signs: Michelle discusses how certain behaviors, like becoming hyper-organized to an unhealthy extent, can serve as warning signs that the nervous system is being triggered. By being aware of these signs, individuals can take proactive steps to remove themselves from reactive environments and reset their nervous system.

3. Establishing Routines: Michelle highlights the importance of routines in creating a sense of safety and stability, which positively impacts the nervous system. Engaging in activities like meditation, exercise, and other comforting routines can help regulate the nervous system and promote overall well-being.

4. Setting Boundaries in Relationships: Michelle shares how setting boundaries in relationships is crucial for protecting the nervous system. Recognizing when certain relationships or environments cause negative physical reactions and taking steps to remove oneself from such situations is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system.

5. Pursuing Joyful Activities: Michelle encourages listeners to prioritize activities that bring joy and happiness, as these experiences can significantly impact nervous system regulation. Engaging in activities that bring joy, laughter, and fulfillment can help reset the nervous system and promote overall well-being.

6. Healthy Sleep Patterns: Michelle emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy sleep patterns by engaging in calming activities before bedtime. Watching or listening to positive content before sleep can contribute to a relaxed state and aid in regulating the nervous system during rest.

7. Evening Stretching Routine: Michelle suggests incorporating an evening stretching routine to release stress and tension from the body before bedtime. Stretching, accompanied by deep breathing and relaxation, can help prepare the body for rest and contribute to nervous system regulation.

In conclusion, the episode underscores the significance of regularly resetting and regulating the nervous system through various practices and self-awareness. By prioritizing activities that promote relaxation, joy, and stability, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and maintain a healthy nervous system.

Talking Points:

[00:01:16] Cold water for nervous system.

[00:04:26] Recognizing Warning Signs.

[00:10:20] Routine exercise preferences.

[00:13:21] Overcoming hiking challenges alone.

[00:20:26] Do what you love.

[00:21:52] Finding joy in childhood activities.

[00:25:38] Ways to alleviate stress.

Quotes:

"It's really important to recognize when that nervous system chaos is being activated and come up with a plan immediately, like in 10 minutes, I'm going to go remove myself from this environment and I'm going to reset my nervous system."

"Discover what does work for you because exercise and moving your body and remaining flexible and remaining in that state of sort of feeling vital, that vitality is really, really key."

"Why am I going to keep Putting myself through trying to get out there and do this by myself like I have something to prove to anybody, which I don't."

"Joy will help you regulate and reset your nervous system like nothing else will."

"One of the best ways to kind of alleviate all of that stress is just put on some really nice music and just spend 15 minutes just stretching your body out and taking deep breaths."

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Website: https://michelle-renee.com

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