“Ever notice how your thoughts shift depending on how you’re feeling?”

Let me share a moment from my own life:

I remember sitting at my desk, overwhelmed with work. My heart was racing, my chest felt tight, and my thoughts were spiraling:
•“I can’t do this.”
•“What if I fail?”
•“Why is this happening to me?”

That was my Sympathetic state kicking in—my body’s fight-or-flight response taking over. It wasn’t about the work itself; it was about how my nervous system perceived it as a threat.

Later, after stepping outside for some fresh air and practicing a few grounding breaths, I felt a shift. My thoughts softened:
•“Okay, one step at a time.”
•“I’ve got this, I just need to focus.”

This was my Ventral Vagal state—a place of safety and connection—helping me see things more clearly.

Your nervous system plays a huge role in shaping your reality. It’s not just “in your head.”
➔ When you’re in Sympathetic mode, everything feels urgent and overwhelming.
➔ When you’re in Freeze, it can feel like you’re stuck and unable to move forward.
➔ And when you’re in Dorsal Vagal, even small tasks can feel impossible.

The beauty is, you can work with your nervous system to shift these states:
•Ground yourself: Try deep breathing or mindfulness when you feel overwhelmed.
•Reconnect with your body: Movement, like stretching or walking, can signal safety.
•Find small moments of connection: Call a friend, hug a loved one, or spend time in nature.

It’s okay to feel stuck sometimes. What matters is recognizing the state you’re in and taking small steps to move toward safety and connection.

Have you noticed how your body impacts your thoughts? 

illustration credit : unknown

#MentalHealth #MindBodyConnection #SelfRegulation #NervousSystemHealing