The Essential Skill to Regulate Your Nervous System - Relaxed Vigilance vs. Hypervigilance 21/30

Therapy in a Nutshell11 minutes read

Chronic anxiety can be effectively managed through a body-first approach called nervous system self-regulation, which involves addressing micro triggers and practicing grounding skills to soothe the nervous system. By setting a timer to check in every 15 minutes, separating situations from stress responses, and practicing relaxed vigilance, individuals can retrain their bodies to remain calm and reduce anxiety levels significantly.

Insights

  • Nervous system self-regulation, involving body-focused techniques and awareness of one's nervous system state, is crucial for managing chronic anxiety by reducing stress responses and promoting relaxation.
  • Practicing moment-to-moment self-regulation through grounding skills and consistent body check-ins can retrain the body to remain calm, significantly reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being, as demonstrated by a professor's experience.

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Recent questions

  • How can chronic anxiety be effectively managed?

    Chronic anxiety can be effectively managed through a body-first approach called nervous system self-regulation. This involves addressing micro triggers that activate the stress response throughout the day by calming the body and promoting a sense of safety and relaxation. By checking in with the body frequently, using grounding skills, and practicing relaxed vigilance, individuals can retrain their bodies to remain calm in high-pressure environments.

  • What is the autonomic nervous system's response to stress?

    Stress is a response of the autonomic nervous system to perceived threats, leading to anxiety throughout the day. Micro triggers, such as work-related stressors, can continuously activate the stress response in small doses. Resolving these triggers by calming the body and practicing self-regulation techniques is crucial for reducing anxiety levels and promoting overall well-being.

  • What are key steps in nervous system self-regulation?

    Awareness of one's nervous system state and using grounding skills to activate the parasympathetic response are key steps in nervous system self-regulation. By checking in with the body frequently, individuals can soothe the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Setting a timer to check in every 15 minutes and consistently practicing grounding skills can help retrain the body to remain calm throughout the day.

  • How can one maintain a calm nervous system in high-pressure environments?

    To maintain a calm nervous system in high-pressure environments, it is important to separate the situation from the stress response and practice relaxed vigilance. By practicing moment-to-moment nervous system regulation and using grounding skills to soothe the body, individuals can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.

  • Can nervous system self-regulation help manage anxiety?

    Yes, nervous system self-regulation is a powerful tool to manage anxiety by calming the body and mind, promoting a sense of safety and relaxation throughout the day. By addressing micro triggers, checking in with the body frequently, and practicing grounding skills, individuals can effectively reduce anxiety levels and improve their overall well-being.

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Summary

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Managing Anxiety Through Nervous System Self-Regulation

  • Chronic anxiety can be effectively managed through a body-first approach called nervous system self-regulation.
  • Stress is a response of the autonomic nervous system to perceived threats, leading to anxiety throughout the day.
  • Micro triggers, like work-related stressors, can activate the stress response in small doses continuously.
  • Resolving these micro triggers by addressing and calming the body throughout the day is crucial for reducing anxiety.
  • Awareness of one's nervous system state and using grounding skills to activate the parasympathetic response are key steps in self-regulation.
  • Practicing self-regulation involves checking in with the body frequently and using grounding skills to soothe the nervous system.
  • Setting a timer to check in every 15 minutes and consistently practicing grounding skills helps retrain the body to remain calm.
  • Separating the situation from the stress response and practicing relaxed vigilance can help maintain a calm nervous system in high-pressure environments.
  • A professor's experience exemplifies how moment-to-moment nervous system regulation can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
  • Nervous system self-regulation is a powerful tool to manage anxiety by calming the body and mind, promoting a sense of safety and relaxation throughout the day.
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