The Nervous System has become quite a hot topic on social media. We need to acknowledge  that the NS and building NS flexibility are complex! I see frequent messaging that includes: 

• “If you struggle with X it means your nervous system is dysregulated” 
• “Try this hack to regulate your nervous system” 
• “This 1 thing will regulate your nervous system instantly” 

NS flexibility and regulation are so much more than a tool, quick fix or hack. At a foundational level this is about developing a relationship with self. We can’t navigate dysergulation or build NS flexibility if we don't understand our own NS is to begin with! 

Heres what regulating the nervous system and building flexibility is NOT about… 

• Elimination of pain, discomfort or hard things 
• Not being impacted by things 
• Being happy and calm all the time 
• Never experiencing dysregulation or any symptoms of dysregulation 
• Never getting triggered 
• Blindly trying tools and skills bc someone on social media tells ...

If you missed Part 1 of my Blog Series I break down what the Autonomic Nervous system is as well as why working with it is so important for athlete health, well being and performance enhancement. 

Lets talk about whats often keeping athletes from overall health and enhancing their performance. Chronic and pervasive nervous system (NS) dysregulation. 

Chronic NS Dysregulation might look like...

Mentally and emotionally 

• Chronic Anxiety (that seems to just always be there) 
• Chronic Stress / overwhelm (with little to no relief) 
• Loud inner critic and perfectionism  (really hard on themselves, never feel like they're good enough, can’t acknowledge success or wins, Struggle to let go of mistakes / failure)
• Inability to control or work with self talk (spiral , ruminate, cant stop worrying, 0-100, down the rabbit hole) 
• Drastic Mood swings, irritability, hypervigilence 
• More specific performance related anxiety that is pervasive and really impacts daily life and performance
...

There’s A LOT of information circulating about “the nervous system” and “nervous system regulation” on social media. What I aim to do in this blog is simplify and give you the most pertinent information. I fully believe that the Autonomic Nervous System is a foundational piece of athlete health, well being and performance. Welcome to my 3 Part Blog Series where I break down all things Nervous System for athletes. 

What is the Autonomic Nervous System?

The human nervous system is a complex system within us that consists of our brain, spinal cord and nerves.​​ The nervous system consists of 2 main branches including the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. 

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)  is a PART of the Peripheral Nervous System. Most people on social media are referring to this as just  “the nervous system” ( I abbreviate it as NS) but it’s important to know that we are indeed talking about the Autonomic Nervous System. The ANS has 3 primary job...