Hey there, busy, incredible mom! I'm about to share with you some of the things I've been working on in my life recently. I had a big epiphany this past weekend and I wanted to share with you some information around nervous system regulation. Let's dive into something close to our hearts and hustle – the art of juggling. I mean, trying to juggle all the things and keep yourself feeling mostly okay is hard.
And that's what I want to dive into today, because what's the most important thing you can do for you and your kids? Live from the best energy that you have. And if you're in a constant state of stress or feeling into other people's energy, it changes you.
So today, we are gonna talk about juggling..
But I'm not talking about your to-do list or keeping those kiddos entertained.
Nope.
Today, we're zeroing in on something even more crucial: our nervous system.
Yes ma'am, you heard me. In this whirlwind of business meets family life, mastering your nervous system's regulation is pretty much like discovering the secret sauce to not just surviving, but thriving.
Now, why all this buzz about nervous system regulation, you ask?
Imagine being able to hit that sweet spot of stress response where, instead of flipping into full-blown survival mode or freezing up when challenges strike, you're responding with grace, focus, and a calm that surprises even yourself. That, my friends, is the gold we're after.
Because let's face it – the entrepreneurial road is bumpy. And our mental and physical health, along with our businesses, depend on our ability to stay balanced amidst chaos.
Key Takeaways:
- Mental health and physical health thrive on a well-regulated nervous system.
- Achieving work-life balance is less about constant calm and more about resilience and effective stress management.
- Stress levels, if not managed, can lead to burnout, affecting both family life and business success.
Understanding Your Nervous System
So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what's buzzing under our skin, keeping us on our toes or helping us chill out. First off, our nervous system is like the CEO of our body, calling the shots on how we react to everything – from a spilled coffee to meeting tight deadlines. It's split into two main squads: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Picture this: you're about to give the biggest pitch of your life.
Bam!
Your sympathetic system kicks into high gear, pumping up your heart rate, getting you all hyped up – it's your built-in survival mode. But once the show’s over, and it's time to unwind, the parasympathetic system takes the wheel. It whispers, “Chill, girl,” slowing your heartbeat, telling your muscles to relax. It's all about balance, finding that sweet spot between hustle and calm.
The Myth of Constant Calmness
Oh, the mythical state of constant calmness, where stress bounces off you like you're made of some Zen-flavored Teflon. Heads up, my fellow mom entrepreneurs, if you've been chasing that dream, it's time for a reality check. We're in the business of hard things. We are juggling those endless to-do lists, managing our own businesses, and trying to keep heart disease at bay with our powerful energy-boosting habits. But here's the good news: it's not about being a calm superhuman 24/7.
Nope, it’s about training our nervous system to handle the high gear of daily challenges and then, like the coolest cucumber in the fridge, return to a state of peace and safety.
Resilience, that's our magic word. It's about striking a harmony between the stress response and those precious moments of deep breaths. It's about finding that sweet spot of emotional regulation amidst the chaos of work-life balance and social media scrolls.
Identifying Signs of a Dysregulated Nervous System
Oh, sweet mom entrepreneur, it’s like we’re juggling flaming torches while ice skating backward, right? And then, bam! Suddenly you're feeling more high anxiety than Zen goddess, and it's like a neon sign that your nervous system dysregulation is throwing a party without your permission. For me, this was my least favorite part. It felt like I had no mind-body connection to myself. And the party was just going and going and going.
So, how do you crash this bash?
First off, if your stress levels are keeping you in survival mode longer than you're binge-watching your favorite series, or if deep breaths seem like a distant concept, it's a big red flag.
- High gear is great for crushing goals but not if you're there 100% of the time. It's like your autonomic nervous system forgot how to chill.
- Heart rate variability out the window? Yeah, that's your body's SOS. Listen to it – seriously!
- Emotional regulation feels like herding cats? That's your cue.
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards reclaiming your calm, cool, collected self and showing that nervous system work who’s boss.
The Impact of Chronic Stress on Entrepreneurs
Ah, the life of a mom entrepreneur, juggling the high-wire act of business ownership with the circus of family life—it’s no carnival game. Picture this: you're neck-deep in work, striving for that elusive work-life balance, trying to ace every role you play. But here’s the kicker—chronic stress doesn't just sidle up and whisper, ‘Hey, take it easy.’ Nope. It’s more like an unwelcome crasher at your party, messing with your physical health, cranking up your blood pressure, and making your heart do the tango.
And let’s not forget the main show—your business productivity. Stress has this sneaky way of putting you in survival mode, making it a hard time to think straight or make decisions. It’s like trying to drive with the handbrake on. Not fun, right? So, grabbing a moment, taking those deep breaths, and working on regulating that autonomic nervous system of yours isn’t just good advice—it’s essential. Because, let’s face it, we’re all trying to avoid that high anxiety, full time, flight response life. We’re looking for that sweet spot—enough calm to navigate the storms without flipping into high gear or freezing up.
Simple Exercises to Regulate Your Nervous System
Alright, let's talk about getting our nervous system to play nice, especially for us mom entrepreneurs who are perpetually toggling between school runs and client calls. Ever tried juggling with one hand tied behind your back? Yep, that's us trying to balance work and family without our nervous system in check.
- Take Deep Breaths: Seems obvious, right? But how often do we actually take those slow, life-affirming breaths that tell our body, “Hey, it's okay, we got this”? Next time you're feeling the heat of a deadline or a toddler meltdown, take a minute. Inhale deeply, hold it, then let it out slow. It’s like hitting the reset button.
- Practice Mindfulness: And no, you don't need to be a Zen master for this. It's about being present in the now, feeling that keyboard beneath your fingers, hearing the laughter (or cries) of your kids without letting it ruffle you. It's powerful stuff, turning down the volume of life's chaos.
- Incorporate Box Breathing: Picture this: Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. It’s like putting your body on airplane mode, giving you that oh-so-necessary break from the constant buzz.
- Leverage the Power of the Vagus Nerve: Ever heard of this hidden gem? Stimulating it can be as simple as singing at the top of your lungs or having a good, hearty laugh. It’s like a direct line to calmville.
Incorporating Deep Breaths into Your Routine
- Start Your Morning: Before the chaos of the day unfolds, take five slow breaths. It sets a calm tone, charging your parasympathetic nervous system for the day ahead.
- Traffic Timeout: Stuck in traffic or at a long red? That's your cue. Three deep breaths to ease the sympathetic response, keeping road rage at bay.
- Post-Lunch Pause: After lunch, gift yourself a minute of deep breathing. It aids digestion and shifts you gently back from high gear to a more productive, focused state. Seriously, when I get “back” to my desk, I use a timer like this where I take 5 minutes and do 5 deep breaths (through my nose, out my mouth).
- Pre-Meeting Prep: Before jumping on that call or walking into a meeting, practice box breathing to ensure you’re in the present moment, ready to tackle anything with a level head.
- Bedtime Ritual: End your day by unwinding with a series of deep breaths. It’s your signal to the mind and body that it’s time to slow down, enhancing your sleep science for a better tomorrow.
Leveraging the Power of the Vagus Nerve
Alright, let's dive into something super cool—the vagus nerve. This little powerhouse is like your very own calm command center. It plays a star role in flipping the switch from ‘I can't even' mode to ‘I've got this' vibes. Think of it as your body's natural chill pill, helping us slip into that zen state by coaxing our parasympathetic nervous system to take the wheel. Now, how do we make this magic happen in our jam-packed, mom-preneur life? Simple stuff, really.
- Deep Breaths: Take a hot second for some deep breathing. This isn't just fluff—it dials up your vagus nerve and tells your system it's time to cool the jets.
- Humming: Yep, belting out your favorite tune or just humming can activate the vagus nerve. Plus, it's a great excuse for a spontaneous karaoke break!
- Cold Splash: A splash of cold water on your face can hit the refresh button on your nervous system. It's like ctrl+alt+del for a dysregulated state.
Just weaving in these tiny acts can foster a world of difference, tipping the scales back to equilibrium. Because let's face it, dodging burnout and keeping those creative juices flowing is what keeps us, as busy moms and determined entrepreneurs, in the game and thriving.
Polyvagal Theory: A Framework for Understanding
Alright, let’s dive into the polyvagal theory, shall we? Yes, it's quite the word, but I promise you'll understand more as we go through. Think of it as your GPS through the winding roads of stress response and emotional regulation. So, unlocking the secrets of this theory is like finding the treasure map to a calmer, more centered you.
Basically, it’s all about how your nervous system hits the high gear or cools down into a zen-like calm. It will be depending on the vibe it’s getting. It’s the brain’s way of doing a quick scan and deciding, “Is it time to be on high alert?” or “Can we chill out and enjoy the moment?” This understanding is your first step towards regaining control over those intense emotions and maybe even dousing the flames of high anxiety or chronic stress. Because, let's face it, being both the CEO of your own business and a superhero mom means you're juggling enough things without adding an overactive nervous system into the mix. So, learning to navigate this can truly be a game-changer in finding that elusive work-life balance.
Balancing Work and Life Through Nervous System Work
Ever felt like you're running on high gear, trying to balance that to-do list with the never-ending demands of family and own business? It's like you're constantly in survival mode, right? Well, let's chat about unlocking the secret to not just surviving, but thriving — by dialing into our own nervous system work. Imagine tapping into effective time management that doesn't just revolve around schedules, but incorporates mindful techniques. It will involve things like deep breathing and recognizing the signals of a dysregulated nervous system. It's about creating that safe space within ourselves—boosting our vagal tone and stepping out of the high alert state.
This isn't just about beating burnout; it's about setting the groundwork for a powerful energy-boosting routine that elevates both our personal well-being and business success. Embracing this journey towards a healthy nervous system can transform us from frantic mom entrepreneurs to masters of our own calm empire.
Creating a Calm Environment for Nervous System Health
Let's get that nervous system of yours soothed like a baby in a warm bath. First off, transform your workspace into a Zen sanctuary. You know, a place where calm oozes from the walls, and stress bounces off like it's been hit with a mega force field. Throw in some plants, those green buddies are not just for looks, they’re like little oxygen bombs, giving you that fresh air vibe.
Next, we're talking about the power of a ‘no interruptions’ zone. Set boundaries that even your kiddos understand – when mom’s in her zone, it’s like she’s on another planet, a calm, focused one. And hey, don’t forget to ditch those devices at certain times. Social media can wait, but your mental peace? Nah, that’s VIP all the way. Lastly, keep those essential oils handy, a quick sniff and you’re whisked away from chaos to tranquility.
When to Seek Professional Help
Okay friend, lean in close because we're diving into something super crucial—when it's time to wave the white flag and get some pro help with our nervous systems. There will be moments when our DIY nervous system hacks, like deep breathing and box breathing, just don't cut it anymore. Maybe it's because the to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt, or perhaps your heart rate variability is all over the place, making you feel like you've had too much matcha latte (and not in a good way).
- If you're spending long hours in high gear, barely remembering the last time you weren't in survival mode, it might be a sign.
- Or, if your anxiety level has you confusing your living room for a lion's den, it's definitely time to reach out.
- Chronic pain, sleepless nights, and feeling like your fight, flight, or freeze response is always on the front burner? Yep, those are glaring neon signs, too.
None of us are just one thing; not just a mom, entrepreneur, or community cheerleader. We're beautifully complex human beings trying to navigate life with a semi-cooperative autonomic nervous system. So, if your inner world feels more like a chaotic stress cocktail than a zen garden, calling in the reinforcements isn't just smart—it's necessary.
Harnessing Community and Social Support
So, here's the deal – balancing the crazy dance of mom life and rocking it as an entrepreneur? Whew, it's like trying to juggle with one hand tied behind your back. But, guess what? You're not throwing those balls up in the air solo. When it feels like you're hitting a wall with a much stress sign plastered on it, that's your cue. Lean into the power of community and social support. I'm talking about that golden circle of fellow business owners, those souls who get the madness, the hard time, and the high gear days.
They're not just there for the high fives; they're your go-to for bouncing off ideas, sharing those effective time management hacks, or just lending an ear when the chronic stress beast rears its ugly head. They remind you that you're a human being, not a robot programmed for constant productivity. So, next time you feel the entrepreneurial seas get choppy, reach out. Remember, it's about weaving that safety net with the right people, creating that safe space where it's cool to share the not-so-glam bits. It's about harnessing that collective energy, turning the stressful situation into a way to fuel growth and resilience. And hey, in this journey of nervous system work, that sense of community? Pure gold.
Navigating the Road Ahead: Wellness for the Working Mom
So, here we are, ready to draw the curtains on our journey through the whirlwind of managing stress, balancing life, and keeping our nervous systems in check. As mom entrepreneurs, juggling our own business, wrangling with the endless to-do list, and ensuring we're the right people in our family members' lives can feel like being on high alert 24/7. But, good news, unlocking calm isn't just a pipe dream. It's about making powerful nighttime routines, understanding our emotional processes, and carving out a life of intention that includes effective time management and powerful somatic practices.
Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate stress. It's to navigate through it with resilience, ensuring our survival mode kicks in only when necessary. And keeping those intense emotions in check, and fostering a sense of safety within ourselves. It's hard work, sure. But mastering our nervous systems allows us to beat burnout, cherish each deep breath, and unlock a fulfilling balance between nurturing our family and nurturing our business. Here's to navigating the road ahead with grace, resilience, and a well-regulated nervous system. Because we’ve got this, one moment, one breath at a time.
