7 Signs That You're Emerging from Survival Mode: Your Nervous System is Regulating
Survival mode is a natural response to stressful situations, but when it becomes a long-term way of life, it can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. Emerging from survival mode is is such a pivotal experience, and it's essential to recognize the signs that your nervous system is regulating.
Lets explore the signs that your nervous system is regulating:
Improved Sleep
You might even notice yourself feeling really tired or yawning a lot at first. One of the first signs that your nervous system is regulating is an improvement in your sleep. When you are in survival mode, your body is on high alert, making it difficult to relax, fall asleep, or stay asleep. Your parasympathetic system, the part that’s responsible for resting and digesting, is quite literally logged off. As your nervous system starts to regulate, you'll find that you can fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Reduced Hypervigilence
Survival mode often leads to a state of hypervigilance, where you are constantly on the lookout for potential threats. As your nervous system regulates, you'll notice a reduction in this heightened state of alertness. You’ll be able to be more present instead of your brain constantly trying to use information from the past to plan for the future. You'll feel more at ease in your surroundings, and your mind will become less preoccupied with potential dangers.
Regulating Emotions with more Ease
Survival mode can lead to intense emotional reactions and difficulty in managing your emotions. When your nervous system begins to regulate, you'll experience better emotional regulation. You'll find that you bounce back more quickly from setbacks and are better equipped to face life's challenges. You'll find it easier to stay calm in stressful situations, be present in feeling and experiencing a wide range of emotions, and be better equipped to process what your emotions are trying to tell you.
Increased Capacity for Connection
In survival mode, the focus is often on self-preservation, which can make it challenging to connect with others on a deeper level. As your nervous system begins to regulate, you'll notice an increased capacity for connection and empathy. You'll be more open to forming and nurturing relationships, which can be incredibly healing and provide opportunities for coregulation.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
When your survival brain is turned on, your cognitive thinking brain is turned off, making it difficult to think clearly and make rational decisions. When your nervous system starts regulating, you'll experience enhanced cognitive function. Your memory and ability to concentrate, problem-solve, and think critically will improve.
Physical Well-Being
When our body is in a state of survival it sends all of its energy and efforts to the systems it believes will help us get away from the perceived threat, that means that the other systems receive less than they typically would. This can take a toll on your physical health, leading to symptoms like muscle tension, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. As your nervous system regulates, you'll notice improvements in your physical well-being. Muscle tension eases, your stomach might growl, and your overall health may improve.
How to Support Your Nervous System Regulation:
Seek Professional Help: Consider therapy or coaching to work through past traumas and develop strategies for regulating your nervous system. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Use your Body as a Guide: Your body is where safety is held. No amount of intellectualizing or thinking about a problem can help your body change the way that it is processing stress. Your body knows where it feels threatened and it is a great guide in healing your nervous system.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you become more aware of your body and emotions, aiding in nervous system regulation.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation and well-being, like exercise, healthy eating, and proper sleep.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive and understanding friends and family who can aid in your healing journey.
Set Realistic Goals: Manage your expectations and set achievable goals to avoid overtaxing your nervous system.
Emerging from survival mode and allowing your nervous system to regulate is a transformative process that requires time, patience, and self-compassion. These signs are indicators of progress and growth on your journey toward healing and well-being. By recognizing these signs and actively participating in your recovery, you can regain control of your life and enjoy a greater sense of peace and balance.
If you are looking for professional help from a therapist or coach please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
