Written by Stephanie Monahan, Certified Life Coach @ stephaniemonahan.com  and intern at Brighter Community Resources

October 28, 2024

 

Have you ever wondered why you react to certain things the way you do? Maybe you become nervous when performing or speaking in front of an audience. Your hands might become sweaty and shaky, you might feel dizzy and forget what to do or say. Or perhaps you become defensive when someone disagrees with you. Your heart might race, your face might become hot, and you might raise your voice.

Your reactions to life’s situations stem from how you perceive and interpret Information from the outside world. This Information Is stored and processed In the nervous system, which Is comprised of two main parts.

The Central Nervous System (CNS)

This includes the brain and the spinal cord. The brain Is where thoughts, beliefs, and feelings are made based on Interpretations of stimuli from the five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste). The brain then sends messages to the body via the spinal cord. Pretty neat, huh? Click here to learn more.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

This Includes the rest of the body and controls functions of vital organs that keep the body alive. Included In the ANS Is the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).

The SNS Is Ignited and causes adrenalin to course through our bodies when danger Is perceived. It Is what causes us to go into a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response and is meant to save our lives. In this state, adrenilin rushes through our bodies, causing increased heartrate, dilated pupils, slowed digestion, and relaxation of the bladder.

When the perceived threat Is over, the PNS takes over and brings the body back to pre-danger functioning, or homeostasis.

This is a healthy cycle that Is meant to keep you alive. The problem Is, many of us find ourselves functioning from the SNS too often, even when there really Isn’t any life-threatening danger present. Left unaddressed, this can lead to health Issues, relationship Issues, and burnout.

What You Can Do

If you find yourself reacting to life’s circumstances in ways that are creating additional challenges In your life, there are some things you can do.

First, understand that you are human, and give yourself some grace.

Second, take responsibility and focus on self-care. Be sure you are getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising daily. It is also recommeded to incorporate addional support such as breathwork, mindfulness meditations, therapy or coaching, or support groups to your routine.

Third, notice your thoughts and emotions, and write them down. Thoughts create emotions, so identifying what you are thinking and feeling will allow you to discover distorted thinking and shift Into new beliefs. This will change how you feel, which means you will begin to intentionally respond to life’s circumstances rather than react to them.

Your Nervous System Is Amazing!

Seek to learn more about how the nervous system functions and what you can do to take care of It. Managing your thoughts and emotions while Implenting somatic practices Is a two-pronged approach that will pay out amazing dividends towards your overall well-being.

Understanding your nervous system can help you have compassion for yourself and others. It can also help you see that when you work to uncover limiting thoughts and beliefs, you can gain new perspectives, which will change the way you respond to life’s challenges and Improve your life.

There is a lot you can do to care for your nervous system and improve your mindset. As you work on these two components, you will see amazing results In the way you think, feel, and act. This combination will change your life for the better.