Your Body Is Not Going To Heal If You’re Stuck In Survival Mode
It will keep screaming until you stop and listen to it.
When we’re in survival mode, it’s very common for us to experience “unexplained” physical symptoms.
Fatigue. Chronic infections. Panic attacks. Digestive issues. Weight gain. Locked jaw. Hives. Insomnia. Whatever it is, our bodies are telling us that something needs to change.
However, more often than not, we try to fix these symptoms without addressing the root cause of our symptoms. We try to find temporary relief instead of listening to what our bodies have to say.
Unfortunately, that never works.
“Survival Mode” vs “Rest and Digest”
When we experience stressful events or circumstances, our bodies adapt to survive. They turn to automatic responses that are supposed to help us overcome the situation we’re in.
These responses are fight, flight, fawn, and freeze.
Sometimes, we’re chronically stressed. We get stuck in these responses because we don’t know how to get out of the circumstances we’re in. If that’s the case, our bodies are constantly releasing large amounts of stress hormones like cortisol. They’re preparing us for action because they think our safety is at risk.
This is the difference between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system:
- The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for our survival. It takes the lead when there’s a threat (no matter how big, small, real, or imaginary);
- The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for controlling homeostasis, or the balance and maintenance of the body’s systems. It restores the body to a state of calm and allows it to relax and repair.
As you can imagine, if there’s something in your life that’s causing you anxiety, your body is not focused on balance and well-being — it’s focused on safety and survival. That means…
- Your muscles contract;
- Your heart rate increases;
- Your stomach is not able to digest properly;
On the other hand, if you activate the parasympathetic nervous system…
- Your muscles relax;
- Your heart rate drops;
- Your stomach releases digestive enzymes.
How To Activate The Parasympathetic Nervous System
The less time you spend in the sympathetic response mode, the better. Although it makes you alert and better able to respond to the stressors in your life, it takes a huge toll on your body — especially if you’re chronically stressed.
If you learn to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and reduce the effect of your sympathetic nervous system, you can reduce the stress on your heart, digestive system, immune system, and more. This will not only make you a happier person, but it will also help to avoid many of the diseases and conditions that are associated with chronic stress.
The best ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system are:
- mild exercise;
- massage;
- yoga, meditation, and deep breathing;
- CBD oil;
- nature walks;
- eating anti-stress foods;
There’s a direct relationship between our emotional health and our physical health.
Healing your nervous system can be a long and painful process, but it is possible — and your body deserves to heal.
If you want to know more about what I’ve been doing to regulate my nervous system and live (almost) anxiety-free, read this article!
