What Nervous System Regulation Really Means

What does it mean to have a "regulated" nervous system? In this video, we'll explore what the nervous system is, what it means to be regulated, and why regulation doesn't simply mean feeling calm all the time.

We'll also touch on how supportive practices may help us navigate stress more effectively in the moment and, with consistent practice, over time.

Transcript

Hey there,

I'm Renee Noah-Harris and I'm here to chat with you a little bit about what nervous system regulation actually means.

But before we talk about regulation,

Let's just begin with what the nervous system actually is.

In very simple terms,

Your nervous system is your body's command center and communication network.

You have your brain,

You have your spinal cord,

And then there is this vast network of nerves that send messages all throughout your body.

And at any given moment,

Your nervous system is taking in information,

Both from the world around you and what's happening within you,

And determining how best to respond.

There are two main parts.

There is the part that's under your conscious control,

Things like choosing to speak.

Or move your body,

Or shift your posture.

And then there is the part working very quietly in the background without you ever even thinking about it.

Like your heart rate,

Digestion,

Sleep,

Temperature regulation.

As a side note,

Breath is particularly cool because it's in both.

You breathe automatically and you can consciously influence your breath,

Which is part of what makes practices like breath work so powerful.

So that's the nervous system.

And then what does it mean to have a regulated nervous system?

To get the myth out of the way immediately,

It does not mean feeling calm all the time.

Our regulated nervous system still experiences all of the stress and excitement and emotion and energy of life.

But it is one that deals with all those varying states without getting stuck in them.

Instead,

There is this greater ability and flexibility to move through those experiences and eventually return to a place that feels more steady and more like yourself.

Sometimes regulation looks like harm.

And sometimes it looks focused,

Playful,

Connected,

Energized,

Or deeply engaged.

And despite how much we may love definitive answers,

There is really no one single way to help support and maintain a regulated nervous system.

Friend things help different people.

For some,

It may be movement.

For others,

It may be meditation,

Breathwork,

Sleep,

Time in nature,

Rest,

Meaningful connection,

Or simply moments that help them to feel safe and supported.

Regulating activities can help you find regulation in the moment.

And the more consistently you practice them,

Especially outside the moments of stress.

The more your nervous system can become able to adapt to challenge and find its way back home a little more easily when stress does arise.

Part of the process is just staying curious.

Noticing what activities genuinely help you feel more like yourself,

And then leaning into those.