The Truth About Nervous System Regulation

"Nervous system regulation doesn’t always look like what we expect it to—and that’s okay."

If you’ve been diving headfirst into every self-care practice you can find—breathing techniques, movement exercises, “hacks” from the internet—only to feel stuck or unsure, you’re not alone. It may even feel like your nervous system may never get regulated, or like the benefits of self-care will always be out of your reach.

Here’s the truth: nervous system regulation isn’t about doing *everything*. It’s about doing the *right things* in ways that support your whole self—mind, body, and emotions.

The real challenge? Many of us are working to heal, regulate, and/or create improvements in our health, life, or relationships without the right level of support. And while the effort is there, it’s easy to feel lost when the results don’t match our expectations. 

"There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for nervous system regulation, but there *is* a way to create practices that work for YOU."

Nervous System Regulation starts with understanding that it’s a (W)holistic process—your thoughts, feelings, and physical state are interconnected. It also means being realistic: you will still encounter stress sometimes.

The goal of regulation isn’t to eliminate your body's stress response, or fight/flight response, but to build tools that help you recover and navigate life with greater ease.

When you do this regularly, your nervous system relearns what is/is not safe in the present so it can stop operating according to the stressors, threats, and experiences it learned in the past. This means your nervous system 'switch' operates more optimally so you become regulated, and better able to regulate during times of stress.

For this reason, everyone needs tools to support their nervous system!.

The great news is that this is a type of self-care that can be incorporated throughout your day and into your regular daily routine, you don't even need to have 'extra' time to commit to this practice.

All you need is a body and the drive of a self-healer to get regulated so you can feel and function better in your life, health, and relationships.

 Here’s what to consider when you want to get regulated or heal some part of yourself (or your life):  

🔹 Self-soothing techniques that served you in the past might need an upgrade. What worked for survival in the past may not align with what you need today.  

🔹 Emotional regulation goes hand in hand with Nervous System Regulation—but it’s not always easy, and you may need new tools + support to make it happen.   

🔹 Movement matters, but it doesn’t have to mean intense exercise. Somatic self-care—like intentional breathing, gentle movements, tapping, or self-massage—can make a big difference in getting regulated. 

🔹 Remember to shift your inner narratives. What you tell yourself about stress and healing can shape your outcomes. Your narratives and internal dialogue must align with the outcomes you want. 

Your nervous system is designed to adapt and recover, but the process requires repetition, practice, and the right tools. When you begin to connect with your body in meaningful ways, you empower yourself to handle whatever life throws your way.

❓ What's your experience with calming, self-soothing, or regulating your nervous system? What have you tried? Is it working for you? Are you stuck in chronic stress or survival mode? Share below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

If you'd like to learn more about incorporating NS regulating self-care into your day to support natural healing, faster recovery from stress/emotions/triggers, relaxation, and more, Sign Up for my upcoming Nervous System Support Workshop this May at https://michelleclinard.com/events

#NervousSystemRegulation #SelfCare #SelfHealers #CommunityCare #SelfHealing #EmotionalRegulation #HolisticWellness #StressRelief #HealingJourney