In part 5 of our Back to Basics series, we explore reactive regulation, a powerful approach to managing your nervous system in moments of anxiety, overwhelm, or shutdown. Learn how to use your body's natural stress responses to create a personalized toolkit for finding more calm and intentionality amidst life's challenges.

*click here to view the impala video I referenced in the episode

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Understanding reactive regulation as a "first-aid kit" for your nervous system during moments of anxiety, overwhelm, or shutdown
• How to complete natural stress cycles that often get interrupted in modern life
• The importance of "meeting your nervous system where it is" rather than forcing calm or energy
• Tool layering: matching intervention intensity to your current state, then gradually shifting toward regulation
• Examples of reactive regulation tools for different nervous system states
• Why practicing regulation tools proactively makes them more accessible during difficult moments

Key Takeaways:

1. Reactive Resourcing: Reactive regulation is like a first-aid kit for your nervous system - a set of tools that provide temporary safety cues to help you bridge the gap between stress and regulation in moments of dysregulation.
2. Meet Your System: The principle of "meeting your nervous system where it is" and "tool layering" is essential - rather than forcing calm when activated or high energy when shut down, acknowledge your current state first and then incrementally guide yourself toward regulation.
3. Proactive Practice: Proactively practicing your reactive regulation tools in low-stress situations makes them more accessible and effective when you're facing bigger challenges.

Next Episode Preview: Join me for part 6 where we'll explore proactive regulation - the inner work, lifestyle, relational, and environmental choices that set the stage for more regulated living.

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