Feeling Overwhelmed? Your Nervous System Might Be Trying to Tell You Something

And it's speaking in a language you may not fully understand yet.

Maybe it's through those 3 or 4 AM wake-ups when your brain decides it's a great time to rehearse your entire life, all tabs open. Or perhaps it's the way your heart races when your phone buzzes. You might feel drained around certain people or experience overwhelm in crowded places.

Perhaps you've tried meditation, journaling, and even learning what your attachment style is, along with your moon sign. Yet, the tension and underlying anxiety remain. Your shoulders and jaw are tight from holding it all together.

Resting feels 'wrong' because there's so much to do. It wouldn’t be right to not keep yourself busy like everyone else. Isn’t it a badge of honour these days?

If you're juggling deadlines, work, family, and the emotional load, but feel stretched, wired, or genuinely one WhatsApp group notification away from imploding... you’re not alone. It happens to the best of us. Been there, done that.

Ever been called 'too sensitive' or told that ‘you should just relax’? This is for you.

Before We Dive In: A Personal Note on Nervous System Overwhelm

I wrote this (in 2 parts) to help you understand something we all live with but don’t always know how to explain: our nervous system and why we feel overwhelmed.

More specifically, I want to discuss what happens when you’ve been in go-mode for too long and why even simple tasks can start to feel really hard.

I’ll release a few articles to dive deeper into the subject of the nervous system. I’ll share what I’ve found to be the most effective tools for my professional holistic practice and myself – a recovering workaholic, burnt-out and highly sensitive woman in my 40s, turned holistic practitioner specializing in nervous system regulation. Hi, thanks for being here!

This isn’t a textbook explanation. It’s my professional understanding combined with real-life application - in my own life and in the lives of my clients - backed by current neuroscience research.

Your Nervous System Isn’t Broken. It's Just Been Trying to Protect You

Your nervous system is smart. But it’s tired.

Think of it as your personal bodyguard, PA, watchdog, or overprotective aunt.

It’s just doing what it learned to do for a very long time. It follows patterns it learned to keep you safe.

The nervous system constantly scans our environment, asking: “Am I safe?” We’re often unaware it’s doing this.

This happens automatically, thanks to neuroception (a concept from the Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges).

It means that your body listens before your brain does. That tone of voice, body language, and the energy in the room (like those 'weird vibes' you feel sometimes) indicate that your nervous system is telling you something’s up. It also checks your internal state. It’s highly evolved, yet we don’t (consciously) give it enough credit.

We often don’t listen to it because we don’t know how to. So, we get overwhelmed.

Those patterns or protective programming can be softened and updated over time.

Part 2, we’ll dive into how your nervous system responds to stress, the survival states of fight, flight, and freeze, and the powerful modalities I use with clients (and myself) to support long-term nervous system health. Because we don't have to keep living on high alert.

here.

Understanding the Importance of Nervous System Regulation

Nervous system regulation is crucial for maintaining emotional and physical well-being. When our nervous system is out of balance, it can lead to anxiety, stress, and a host of other issues.

The Role of Stress in Our Lives

Stress is a natural part of life. However, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health. It can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical ailments. Understanding how stress affects your nervous system is the first step toward finding balance.

Techniques for Nervous System Regulation

There are several techniques that can help regulate your nervous system. These include:

• Breathwork: Deep, intentional breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation.

• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present and reduces anxiety.

• Movement: Engaging in physical activity can help release pent-up energy and tension.

  
  

Seeking Professional Help

If you find it challenging to manage your nervous system on your own, consider seeking professional help. A holistic practitioner can provide tailored strategies to support your journey toward balance.

With Heart,

Claudia Luck-Rodriguez

Holistic Practitioner for Emotional & Nervous System Health

Certified & Accredited EFT Practitioner in Sydney · Heart Coherence · Somatic EMDR · Trauma-informed