We all bump into the blurry line between regulating and avoiding. In this episode, Amanda unpacks the difference between soothing your nervous system and emotionally bypassing—using a real client story to show how even “healthy” tools can become numbing when the intention and impact are off. Learn how to choose between regulation and resourcing, and try a simple check-in to turn coping back into connection.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The clear definitions of regulation (state-shifting) vs avoidance/numbing (state-escaping)
• Why the same behavior (TV, scrolling, exercise, breathwork) can heal or hide depending on intention & impact
• The difference between regulating and resourcing—and when each is appropriate
• How “pop healing” can unintentionally promote bypassing (and what to do instead)
• A quick two-question experiment to notice whether you’re shifting away from or expanding capacity for what you feel

3 Takeaways:

1. The same behavior can heal or hide, intention & impact are the tells.
   Regulation restores presence and energy; avoidance suppresses and disconnects. Ask: Does this make me more present or less present?
2. We need both regulating and resourcing tools. Use regulation when a state feels too big or inaccurate to the moment; use resourcing to expand your ability to be with what’s here safely.
3. Awareness is the work. Before you reach for a tool, pause: What am I feeling? What’s my intention? That tiny check-in turns numbing into nourishment and coping into true regulation.

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Looking for more personalized support?

• Book a FREE discovery call for RESTORE, our 1:1 anxiety & depression coaching program (HSA/FSA eligible & includes comprehensive bloodwork)
• Join me inside Regulated Living, a mental health membership and nervous system healing space (sliding scale pricing available)
• Order my book, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve today!

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