Sunshine, Pop Music, and a Nervous-System Reset

Welcome to my Monday Morning Message

This past week, I had several moments when strong emotions surged through my body.

Frustration. Judgment. Fear.

I could still feel the physical jolt. The racing thoughts, tightness in my chest, the urge to react immediately.

And then I remembered: Oh, right. This is what I teach.

I talk to my clients all the time about what to do when their nervous system is flooded. Yet knowing the tools doesn't mean I automatically reach for them when I'm upset. I still have to pause and consciously practice what I ask others to practice.

First, I breathe. Then I name what's happening.

I am feeling frustrated. I am feeling afraid. I am judging this situation.

Simply identifying the feeling helps create a little space between the emotion and my response.

Then I say something that calms me, like: I am safe.

Then I move my body.

For me, that might mean stepping outside, feeling the sunshine on my face, and taking a walk. Or putting on my headphones, turning up my favorite pop playlist, and dancing around my living room.

Movement gives all that anxious, jolting energy somewhere to go. It helps my nervous system settle enough for me to take a deeper breath.

Only then can I ask myself: How do I want to handle this?

The goal isn't to stop having strong emotions. We're human. Life will keep bringing people, conversations, and situations that flood us.

The skill is learning to notice what's happening inside our bodies and then putting into practice the things we know will help.

That's the part I was reminded of this past week.

We don't have to respond from the first surge of emotion. We can pause. We can move. We can breathe.

And when the intensity begins to pass, we can move forward with greater clarity, calmness, and intention.

What's your "go-to" plan when life throws you an avalanche of feelings?

Have a wonderful week.
Colette