In a world that rewards productivity over presence, it’s easy to miss the signs that your nervous system is stuck in overdrive. You might look calm on the outside, even high-functioning, while inside, your body is in a near-constant state of fight-or-flight.
If you’re always “on,” wired but tired, or struggling to relax, your nervous system might be calling for a reset.
First, What Does the Nervous System Actually Do?
Your nervous system is your body’s communication hub. It constantly interprets signals from your environment to keep you safe. When working well, it smoothly switches between:
- Sympathetic state (fight or flight): for action, focus, alertness
- Parasympathetic state (rest and digest): for healing, sleep, calm
The problem? Most of us spend way too much time in the sympathetic state. Chronic stress, screens, stimulants, lack of rest… they all send the message: “You’re under threat.”
Signs Your Nervous System Is Stuck in Overdrive
You might tick a few of these boxes, or feel like you're living in every single one. Either way, these are signs your body is asking for support. If we ignore them, they don’t just fade away. Instead, they often show up elsewhere, especially in areas like hormone balance, sleep, gut health, and mood.
- You’re always on edge
- You feel irritable or impatient
- Busy environments leave you drained
- You can’t fully relax, even when you try
- It’s hard to concentrate or finish tasks
- Your body constantly feels tense
- Your mood feels flat or low
- You’re wired at night, exhausted during the day
- You crave sugar, caffeine, or constant stimulation
You're constantly reaching for “quick fixes” to keep going, such as snacks, coffee or doom-scrolling. Your body is searching for dopamine or energy.
How To Reset Your Nervous System:
Healing starts with creating safety in your body. This sense of safety comes from consistency, small wins, and gentle self-connection, not forcing yourself into a morning routine that someone else swears by.
Nervous System Nourishment
- Eat protein with every meal to stabilise blood sugar and reduce cortisol spikes
- Nutrients that support calm: Magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, and Ashwagandha
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, which disrupt the body’s natural stress rhythms
Daily Practices for Immediate Relief
- Deep, slow breathing techniques to activate the parasympathetic state
- Stimulate your vagus nerve by splashing your face with cold water, taking a cold shower, or trying a cold plunge
Movement That Calms, Not Overstimulates
- Gentle Pilates, yoga, or walking outdoors (especially barefoot or in nature) supports nervous system regulation
- Skip intense workouts if you feel constantly drained
Tech-Free Evenings
- Ditch screens 1-2 hours before bed
- Try a magnesium bath, herbal tea, or journaling to transition your body into rest mode
You don’t need a complete reset, just a few supportive habits.
Choose one or two practices that feel manageable and build from there. When it comes to nervous system healing, consistency matters more than intensity. Small, repeated healthy habits can create a profound shift over time.
