Managing Stress: Tips for Healing the High Achiever's Nervous System

As a high achiever myself I relate deeply to my clients. The one's who are out there crossing finish lines, checking tasks off their to-do lists, and buzzing around from one thing to the next. These clients are often the one's that are excellent at following through on taking supplements and doing various activities that we talk about yet, struggle with slowing down.

The achiever has often been taught that you get more love and attention when you're accomplishing something. Therefore, it makes it really hard to allow space for being vs. doing.

This is what can get the achiever in trouble when it comes to their health and nervous system.

Often these clients are chronically activated within their nervous system, running on that fight or flight instinct, burning through their internal energy and nutrients in order to supply the demand of stress hormone.

They often struggle with eating regularly and finding space for themselves. Often the physical rest is there but, the mental rest is lacking deeply.

The body is crying out for some support through symptoms such as:

• Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea, inflammation)

• Hormone problems (adrenal issues, thyroid problems, painful periods)

• Brain fog

• Joint pain

• Needing caffeine to fully function

• Chronic infections/ a weakened immune system

• and overall losing their sense of self...

In the achievers mind "the show must go on", so the bandaid approaches to get them through the day is all that they can have time and patience for.

As someone who has been there and learned this the hardest way possible- this WILL catch up with you. In my case it came crashing down in the form of hypothyroid, mold toxicity, MCAS, and burnout.

The achiever will almost mock what I'm about to say and think that it's all a bunch of fairy dust that won't actually help them because, logically, it sounds so simple. Almost too simple.

The solution to all of this is to slow down and connect with yourself/ your nervous system.

This will be uncomfortable for you if you identify as an achiever. Your brain will want write this off as "I've tried everything there's no way these somatic practices can work." But, my friend, they do.

Examples:

• Presence/ Orienting- pausing in the moment and opening your awareness to what you can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.

• Bilateral Stimulation- either listening to music or placing your hands on your lap and lightly tapping one hand on your leg, then the other.

• Ear Exercises- like the one's in my Restore Your Spark Guide

• Breathing- deep inhales for 5 seconds, hold for 8 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds (or whatever variation feels best for you)

• Gargling, humming, singing- to help provide the vagus nerve (an essential pathway to nervous system regulation) stimulation

Your body must feel safe in order to experience the healing that you desire. Being on the go and always thinking about what's next is robbing you of the opportunity to be in this moment right now and provide your body with the deep support it craves.

In my practice I blend both nervous system supportive exercises and practices with tailored nutritional therapy and lifestyle optimization to help you have, do, be, and achieve all you want to in life WITHOUT losing your essence.

To experience support like you've never had before, register for a consultation!

Rooting for you, ALWAYS!

-Shannon