Nervous System & Regulation

For a long time, I believed that I only needed to "think correctly" to become stable.

Only much later did I understand that my body had reacted long before my mind even grasped what was happening.

Regulation is not a matter of discipline.
It is biological.

Breathing techniques – between regulation and overexertion

Breathwork was one of the first things I tried.
Among other things, it also includes a breathing technique made famous by Wim Hof.

In some phases, she actually helped me:

In other phases, it tended to overstimulate my system.

I had to learn:
Not every intensive technique is automatically regulating.

Sometimes an overloaded nervous system needs less stimulation, not more.

Ice baths and cold showers are often touted as a breakthrough.

For me, coldness was initially a feeling of:
"I can endure a lot."

That can be empowering.
But it can also be a continuation of overexertion.

The cold has stabilized me at times.
But only when my system was no longer under constant stress.

The Shakti mat was surprisingly helpful.

The pressure on my skin often calmed my system faster than thoughts ever could.

Here's what I understood:
Regulation is physical.

Regulation is not competition.
Not higher, faster, more intense.

Sometimes regulation is:

And sometimes professional guidance is needed.

The experiences described here are personal.
Not every technique is suitable for every nervous system.

If your body reacts strongly or you are in an acute crisis, professional support is more important than any method. Nervous system & regulation

For a long time, I believed that I only needed to "think correctly" to become stable.

Only much later did I understand that my body had reacted long before my mind even grasped what was happening.

Regulation is not a matter of discipline.
It's biological. I describe my experiences with movement and yoga in more detail. here.