The term nervous system regulation gets thrown around quite frequently lately. Often at the same time with parasympathetic nervous system, cortisol levels, deep rest, offline mode and many other terms making you want to quit your job and live off-grid.
We, Romina and Janine, founded New Dawn Bath after both coming from fast-paced, high-pressure careers. We lived in a constant state of "fight or flight," with little room for relaxation or self-reflection. During a much-needed break, we crossed paths while living in Florence, Italy—where we both experienced a sense of stillness in our lives. This stillness was unexpectedly triggering, as it made us realize just how disconnected we had become from ourselves. At the time, we were both struggling with gut issues, which, as we learned, are deeply linked to the central nervous system.
The Importance of Nervous System Regulation
However the challenge of our time is to cultivate a regulated nervous system, despite the world
we are living in, the business of our daily lives and the many roles we fulfill on a daily basis.
It’s essential to recognize that experiencing moments of imbalance is a natural part of life. It is
not a bad thing to fall out of balance sometimes, it is our capacity to come back to a state of
balance that is crucial. And sometimes there are tools that can help us, people we can turn to,
or portions of time that we just have to put down in our calendar to make sure we make space
for our own regulation.
So first of all don’t judge yourself too harshly when you have fallen into a busy mind-mode after a long day. You are not alone and there is nothing inherently wrong with you being stressed sometimes. The self-criticism and judgment make the burden only heavier.
The Power of the Present Moment: Checking In With Yourself
Start with checking in with yourself. Take a few deep breaths into your belly. Imagine sinking into the floor, feel your legs. Because we live in a head driven society we often are present just in the upper part of our body. Make a connection to your whole body. Maybe even with the earth. Does that feel differently already?
Practical Tools for Nervous System Regulation
While there are many tools for regulating the nervous system, the most important practice is
learning how to be present with yourself. This is a spiritual practice as much as it is a
physiological one. Here are a few ways to shift from a state of constant doing and striving
(sympathetic nervous system) to a place of being, of ease, and of inner peace (parasympathetic
nervous system):
1. Nature - Spending time in nature is one of the most effective ways to regulate the
nervous system. Walk bare feet, touch a tree, look at the sky, smell a flower, go to a lake
or forest. Using your senses to connect with the natural world around you. If you live in a
busy city: find a plant, anywhere, even a house plant will do. Our bodies are surrounded
by electromagnetic fields, and connecting with nature’s natural energy can help bring our
own fields into harmony.
2. Connection - Human connection plays a vital role in nervous system regulation. Think of
someone whose presence makes you feel safe and calm. This could be a loved one, a
close friend, or even a pet. Reaching out to this person for a hug, a conversation, or
simply sitting quietly together can have an immediate calming effect. If direct contact isn’t
possible, you can also mentally connect with that person by visualizing their face or
recalling a moment when you felt deeply supported.
3. Breath - Focusing on your breath is one of the most accessible ways to bring yourself
into the present moment. Slow, deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous
system, helping to shift your body from a state of stress to one of relaxation. Experiment
with longer exhales and hold your breath for a brief moment between inhalations. Notice
the subtle shift in your energy as your breath deepens and slows.
4. Bathing - Bathing in salt water can be an incredibly soothing practice. The sea is
amazing. However when the ocean is out of reach, a footbath or a regular bath can offer
similar benefits. Salt water, much like the earth, contains a variety of beneficial ions that
help cleanse and restore balance. Magnesium, in particular, is known to calm the
nervous system and relax the body. Submerging your body or even just your feet in
warm water with high quality bath salt allows your body to absorb minerals through the
skin. This simple act of self-care can be a beautiful ritual to bring balance back to your
being.
5. Flower remedies - Flower remedies, also known as flower essences, can be a powerful
and gentle tool for nervous system regulation. They are working on an energetic level to
address emotional imbalances contributing to stress. When the nervous system
becomes overstimulated by anxiety or unresolved emotions, flower remedies help shift
these emotional states, creating space for relaxation and balance. By restoring
emotional harmony, they allow the body to respond to stress with more ease.
Incorporating flower remedies into a daily self-care routine can be a gentle, yet powerful
way to regulate the nervous system.
The Role of Trauma in Nervous System Regulation
We founded New Dawn Bath out of a deep desire to help people slow down and reconnect with themselves in the midst of life’s chaos. For both of us, bathing has always been a sacred space—where we disconnect with the outside world, and connect to our inner world. During our own journey of self-discovery, we began experimenting with flower remedies, which led us to combine them with bath salts. And that’s how our company was born.
While we are focused here on everyday tools for nervous system regulation, it’s important to
acknowledge that trauma plays a significant role in shaping how our nervous systems respond
to stress. Trauma, whether conscious or unconscious, can cause deep imprints on the body and the mind, influencing our patterns of reaction and regulation. This is not something we delve into here, as trauma requires specialized care and attention.
If you feel that past wounds are affecting your ability to regulate your nervous system, it is deeply healing to work with a therapist or practitioner who specializes in trauma-informed care.
Keep an eye on "The Muses" here at The Tiny Muse because there is a new feature supporting healing and self development coming to you very soon.
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