Back to School Stress: Maintaining a Healthy Nervous System
Back to school is stressful enough without the added uncertainty and newness of our current times.
It’s easy to get wound up and forget about self-care
Your nervous system plays a key role in your overall well being, as chronic stress, constant stimulation, not enough resting time, and past trauma can lead to our nervous system being in an ongoing state of fight or flight. Being in this state takes its toll on our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, so I’d like to share some tips to maintain a healthy nervous system to help get you through these trying times with optimal wellness.
Signs of a strained nervous system
Startling easily
Poor digestion (constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux)
Blood sugar drops
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Inability to relax, even when “off”
Heart palpitations
Frequent urination
If you are experiencing these symptoms, check with your healthcare provider to see if this could be a factor for you.
How to regain nervous system balance
1. Take Breaks
It may seem like the last thing you should be doing when you're up against a deadline, but it will actually help you in the long run. Take even a few minutes to step away from your computer, take a few breaths, stretch your legs, or get a snack.
It’s also important to set some time to rest and recharge after a stressful period. (ie. Taking some time off to relax after exams is a great idea for your nervous system!)
2. Meditation and Breathwork
The jury is in on the impacts of meditation and breathwork. It has enormous benefits for stress management. Set aside 10-15 minutes a day to spend in meditation or breathwork practice, and also remember to use your breath in a stressful situation. A few deep breaths go a long way.
3. Limit Your Online Time
Constant stimulation from our phones, TVs, tablets, and computers adds up. Schedule some times where you are “offline” to recharge each day.
4. Make Sure Your Basic Needs are Being Met
Do not underestimate the effects of not eating, sleeping, hydrating, or moving regularly. Not meeting these needs alone are enough to send your body into crisis mode, and that isn’t going to help you in the midst of a busy period. It may seem like staying up all night to cram for a test makes sense, but you will be much better prepared by resting and nourishing yourself.
5. Go Outside
Nature is a fantastic nervous system regulator. Research has shown that even just looking at a picture of nature or having a plant in your room reduces stress. Back away from your laptop, and take a walk in the park.
6. Support with Supplements
There are a few supplements that support the regulation of stress hormones and neurotransmitters. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if supplements like Reishi mushroom, Lavender, Ashwagandha, L-Theanine, Probiotics, B-vitamins, and Magnesium could support you.
7. Make Time for Connection
Maintaining connections can be hard during stressful times, but connection plays an important role in our emotional regulation. Skype a friend, call your mom, play with your dog. I promise it will help.