Befriending My Nervous System: Finding Balance in Intense Times
After a couple of blissful hours soaking in the hot tub, I feel completely at ease. It’s moments like these that remind me how life-changing it’s been to learn how to befriend my nervous system.
If you’ve been feeling off lately—dysregulated, overwhelmed, or just “not yourself”—I want you to know I see you. You’re not alone. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the window of tolerance, a concept that’s been a game-changer in my own healing journey.
The window of tolerance is that sweet spot where our nervous system can handle life’s stressors without spinning out into overwhelm (fight-or-flight) or shutting down (freeze/numb). When we’re inside this window, we feel grounded, connected, and capable of responding to life’s challenges. But let’s be real: so many of us are being pushed outside that window right now.
You might be feeling hyper-aroused—on high alert with a racing mind that refuses to slow down. Or maybe you’re at the other end of the spectrum, stuck in hypo-arousal, where exhaustion and numbness take over. Both are completely natural responses when we’re stretched too far.
For me, the past few years have been about intentionally working to release old emotions and trauma stored in my body. It’s been deep, sometimes messy work, but it’s also allowed me to stay more grounded, even when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control. I still feel the weight of everything, but I’m able to navigate life from within my window of tolerance much more often.
I also believe that for many of us, the weight we carry isn’t just ours. We’re often holding layers of ancestral pain or generational trauma. The good news? Healing is absolutely possible. Practices like grounding, mindful movement, releasing old emotions, and connecting with safe, supportive spaces can help us find our balance again.
Wherever you are today, I’m sending you love and calm. Let’s be gentle with ourselves as we navigate these intense times. Healing is a journey, and every step you take matters. 🌹