733: How to listen to your nervous system and respond with care
This week on the Anxiety Slayer Podcast, we're talking about listening to your nervous system and what you can do to feel better when you're stressed, triggered, upset, or tired.
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Points covered in this episode:
When you're feeling overwhelmed, your body may be filled with uncomfortable energy. In these moments, it's common to seek distraction or quick relief. Activities like scrolling, watching TV, or playing games offer temporary escape. However, this relief doesn’t last, and once you stop, you might feel even worse because you haven't taken care of yourself and realize you've wasted time and energy.
Setting boundaries and seeing stress as information
We can use triggers as clues for healing by asking ourselves questions like: What is happening? Can I change it? How can I change it?
We can observe our feelings and choose different responses. Focus on self-care by trying activities like stretching, walking, and being creative. Look for support and aim for positive experiences.
Turning to yourself with kindness and self respect
Self-compassion through setting goals
Choosing how to respond instead of just reacting
Being truthful with yourself
Additional suggestions for supporting your nervous system
Tapping - noticing how you feel and find some words to Tap through it, or follow one of our guided Tapping Sessions like SOS Tapping or Changing anxious what if thoughts
Affirmations - write some positive affirmations for yourself or listen to a recording
Move your body
Go for a walk and discharge stress hormones
Do some yoga or follow a QiGong practice
Dance to your favorite song
Shake it out by bouncing on your heels
What truly helps is to have your self-care choices readily prepared and waiting for you to utilize them. They need to be as conveniently accessible as picking up your phone, allowing you to engage in them effortlessly whenever you feel the need.
Get over 200 Guided Relaxations, Tapping Sessions, and Ayurvedic Teachings for calming anxiety on our Patreon at Patreon.com/anxietyslayer