Most of the time, when we want to lose weight, we look to the gold standard  of the dieting industry for guidance.

This is a calories in-calories out approach to weight loss. Simply reduce the number of calories you’re consuming, and you will lose weight. It’s math, after all.  😏

Well…

If you’ve been following me or reading my newsletters you know that I believe this is just one area worth examining when it comes to weight loss. Yes, if you are consuming thousands more calories every day than what your body is using, your body will likely gain weight.

But this is not often the culprit.

The next area worth examining is the hormonal system – your estrogen balance, thyroid hormones, cortisol and adrenal function, inflammation, blood sugar regulation and insulin…

There are many things that can become imbalanced in the body that can cause weight gain or stubborn weight issues.

There is also a third area to examine – the more psycho-neuro-immunological level – that considers how well you’re able to regulate your emotions, your personal and trauma history, and how you relate to yourself, others, and the world around you. There is a chemistry and physiology that is created as a result of all of this, too.

We cannot look at the hormonal system or the psycho-neuro-immunological level without also looking to the nervous system, because they are all intimately connected.

Learning to regulate your nervous system can help with so many health issues. When you’re in a chronically stressed state, the body reflects that chemistry, too.

Compensations and breakdowns at the microscopic and subtle cellular, hormonal and neurotransmitter levels can occur. Your digestion, metabolism, mood, hormones, brain… everything is impacted. Plus, it isn’t a good feeling place to be!

Working with your nervous system to help it find a more regulated, calm and harmonious way of being can have very positive ripple effects throughout your body.

Simply talking and thinking about your feelings isn’t enough to change your body’s chemistry. In some cases, it only reinforces it. Working with the body, not the mind, is one way to address things, move into a better feeling overall chemistry and a heightened state of health.

My personal experience with this has been nothing short of miraculous. As I’ve come into a deeply harmonious place with my own nervous system (which impacts the entire body), I have noticed how…

• Things that used to be overwhelming and difficult are far more manageable

• Discussing hard things is far easier

• Setting and reinforcing boundaries feels good, not scary

• I handle volatile situations well instead of freezing

• I’m far more resourceful and resilient at all times

• I care less and am more forgiving when I make mistakes others can see

• I’m able to be present with myself, and others when things are challenging

• Feeling at peace is my new normal – a far cry from the anxious me of the past

Knowing how to care for yourself at this level that so often goes overlooked is powerful. If you’re dealing with anxiety, worry, brain fog, digestive issues, ongoing stress, hormone issues, overwhelm and more, the following practices can help:

1. Voluntary shaking: Start small and shake your hands like you are shaking water off them. If that feels good to you, add other parts of your body to shake. Shake your arms and shoulders, your hips, your feet and/or legs. Shake for as long and as hard as feels good to you (this shouldn’t hurt, though you might get winded). Notice how your body feels afterward. This is a great practice if you’ve recently interacted with something unexpected or aggressive.
2. Humming a tune: Find a simple song you like to hum. “You are my sunshine” or “Happy birthday” or something else that comes to mind. The idea is to create a vibration in your chest and the large, primary nerve that runs from the base of your brain to all your major organs and beyond (a.k.a. the Vagus nerve). If you can and it feels good to you, exaggerate your hum a bit. Hum for 3 minutes or so, and then notice how you feel afterward.
3. Focused breathing into your back/lower ribs: Bring your attention to your back where you lower ribs are. When you inhale through your nose, send your breath there. Exhale gently through your mouth and repeat. Stay present with your breath in your back where your lower ribs are for 5-10 breaths and notice how you feel afterward.
4. Hugging: Find someone who is calm and hug them until you feel your body relax (20 seconds is about how long this will take). The idea here is to co-regulate your nervous system with someone else’s regulated nervous system. An added benefit is that you’ll also receive a burst of oxytocin from your own hormonal response to hugging, which can make you feel good! This is a win-win practice! And just so you know, hugging trees is also an option!  ☺
5. Lying on the ground: This practice is based on grounding and earthing practices. The idea here is to go outside – in your yard, a park or the beach – and lie down on the ground. Grass, dirt or sand are great for this, though cement or pavement can work, too. This might not sound like something you want to do, so know that you can put down a blanket or towel or stand on the ground barefoot. Envision any feelings of imbalance or irritation leaving your body and going into the earth. Aim for 5-8 minutes a day. Notice how this contact with the earth shifts your physiology for the better! Btw, this is a great practice after travel, or long periods of staring at a computer screen!

Practicing these nervous system regulation techniques on a regular basis can really help you feel more resilient, capable and present in your body and life. And that can deeply support your overall vitality and health.

When your vitality and overall health are being consistently supported, it further helps you to show up more fully. The more fully you can be here, the easier it is to be the kind of mom, businesswoman, friend, lover, ally and beautiful human being you’re here to be.  😍

Your loved ones will benefit. Your creativity will soar. And your passion for life will flourish.

I often remind my clients that they get just one body in this lifetime. Taking excellent care of it – including your nervous system! –  is one of the best investments you’ll ever make.