Have you ever felt stuck in anxiety, shutdown, or constant stress despite your best efforts to feel better? Your nervous system may need manual intervention—and waiting for automatic regulation might not be enough.

In this deeply insightful episode, Tanner and Anne tackle the crucial concept of manually regulating your nervous system when it's not naturally returning to states of safety and connection. They begin by contrasting the ideal—a flexible nervous system that moves easily between high energy and low energy states, while staying anchored in safety—with the reality many of us face: persistent dysregulation driven by trauma, lifestyle factors, and societal pressures.

Tanner vulnerably shares his own journey through chronic dysregulation, describing how he remained stuck in fight-or-flight and eventually shutdown during his experience with neuroplastic pain. His healing required intentional practice across multiple domains—embodiment work, movement, social connection, purposeful action, and proper rest—highlighting that regulation often requires consistent, manual effort before becoming automatic. The hosts also share a compelling story from their producer, who transformed his physical pain and energy levels by consistently pushing himself to establish a gym routine that eventually became second nature.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical emphasis on taking control rather than waiting for change. For anyone experiencing chronic pain, illness, anxiety, or persistent dysregulation, the message is clear: your nervous system might need your conscious guidance to establish new patterns. Start small, remain consistent, and remember that creating a regulated nervous system is work worth doing—even when the results aren't immediate. Which regulation practice will you try today?

Tanner Murtagh and Anne Hampson are therapists who treat neuroplastic pain and mind-body symptoms. They are also married! In his 20s, Tanner overcame chronic pain and a fibromyalgia diagnosis by learning his symptoms were occurring due to learned brain pathways and nervous system dysregulation. Post-healing, Tanner and Anne have dedicated their lives to developing effective treatment and education for neuroplastic pain and symptoms. Listen and learn how to assess your own chronic pain and symptoms, gain tools to retrain the brain and nervous system, and make gradual changes in your life and health!

The Mind-Body Couple podcast is owned by Pain Psychotherapy Canada Inc. This podcast is produced by Alex Klassen, who is one of the wonderful therapists at our agency in Calgary, Alberta. https://www.painpsychotherapy.ca/

Tanner, Anne, and Alex also run the MBody Community, which is an in-depth online course that provides step-by-step guidance for assessing, treating, and resolving mind-body pain and symptoms. https://www.mbodycommunity.com

Also check out Tanner's YouTube channel for more free education and practices: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fl6WaFHnh4ponuexaMbFQ

And follow us for daily education posts on Instagram: @painpsychotherapy

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