only partially, you’re probably dealing with stored activation. This is especially true if you are so wound up you can’t tolerate even engaging in relaxing be- haviors. A significant body of research im-
plicates chronic stress in a variety of physical problems, including but not limited to high blood pressure, immune system impairment, sleep disturbances, heart disease, back and body aches, etc. How is your own nervous system doing these days? If you feel you could use some help in the proper care and main- tenance of your nervous system, take a look at the suggestions and resources listed below. Your nervous system – and ultimately all the rest of your body, mind and soul, will thank you!
First Aid for Your Nervous System
1. A regular relaxation practice is
absolutely critical to helping your ner- vous system to retain its resilience and to engage the discharging functions of your parasympathetic nervous system. Meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques, deep breathing, tai chi or gentle exercise are all wonderful for this. Interpersonal contact that you experience as sup- portive and comfortable is important as well. These kinds of resources are also very helpful if you find you need to do the deeper work of discharging old acti- vated energy that is held in your nervous system.
2. After a “threat” (stress) event, al-
low your body to move in whatever way it might need to, without judgment. As
long as it is physically safe for you (and others), let yourself tremble, or shake, or cry, or do whatever it is that your body wants you to do. Do this as soon as it is safely possible after the event, and ide- ally immediately afterwards.
3. Give yourself plenty of time. The
part of our brain that is responsible for the fight or flight response is often re- ferred to as the “reptilian” brain, due to its development early in our evolution- ary history. It can be helpful to remem- ber that reptiles move v…e…r…y… s...l...o...w...l...y. Allow a lot of time for your body and nervous system to recover after a stressful event and for baseline re- silience to be restored. Don’t rush to get up and move around after an activating event. It’s better to allow the discharge cycle to complete immediately than to have to go back later to try to let the dis- charge occur.
4. Don’t dismiss your physical reac-
tions. Especially if you’re not practiced in noticing your body sensations, they can seem subtle or hard to identify. Stomach butterflies, electric sensations, urges to move your legs or arms, all need respect and attention. Take time to notice these kinds of sensations and follow them un- til they dissipate.
Karen Caffrey, LPC, JD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and former prac- ticing attorney with a private psycho- therapy practice in Hartford, Connecti- cut. She enjoys helping her clients tap into their own unique sources of internal wisdom and strength, so they can create better and more fulfilling lives.
24
August 2010
www.naturalnutmeg.com
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