Nourishing Your Nervous System: Navigating Change [Life & the Seasons]
Our one constant in life is change. The tides, the seasons, our bodies, change is an inevitable part of life, whether it comes with the changing of the seasons or the various transitions and changes in circumstances we encounter in our personal lives.
Both types of change can have significant impacts on our body, mind, emotions, and overall health. Understanding why change is so disruptive, in particular its effects on the nervous system, can become a part of learning how to better support our minds and bodies holistically and herbally.
Finding ways to help us navigate these transitions with greater ease and resilience.
This has a profound impact on the nervous allowing it to deal with changes and stressors all the more easily.
The nervous system works on the basis of two things: safe and unsafe. There is no inbetween, so whenever anything triggers that unsafe feeling it causes the nervous system to heighten in sensitivity and can trigger our fight, flight, freeze, fawn response. Therefore the better able we are to deal with change, the more adaptable and flexible we can become, the more resilient we will be.
The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Our Nervous System
There are many things that can trigger the nervous system, and change is one of them. Even the changing seasons can affect us:
Physical Effects
As the seasons change, our bodies must adapt to variations in temperature, daylight, and environmental conditions. For instance, the transition from summer to autumn brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, which can affect our energy levels and circadian rhythms. This shift can lead to feelings of lethargy and difficulty sleeping.
In winter, the cold weather can cause muscle tension and stiffness, while the lack of sunlight can result in vitamin D deficiency, impacting our immune system and mood. Conversely, the arrival of spring and summer often brings a surge of energy and activity but can also lead to seasonal allergies and heat-related stress.
Mental and Emotional Effects
Seasonal changes can also influence our mental and emotional well-being. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a prime example, where reduced sunlight in autumn and winter can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability. Even those without SAD might experience mood fluctuations as the seasons change.
Spring and summer, while generally more uplifting, can also be stressful due to increased social activities and the pressure to be more productive. Each season's unique characteristics can evoke different emotional responses, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to mental health throughout the year.
The Impact of Life Changes on Our Nervous System
Physical Effects
Life changes, whether positive or negative, can be incredibly taxing on the body. Major transitions such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, getting married, or dealing with the loss of a loved one can all trigger the body's stress response. This response often manifests as muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, and weakened immunity.
Mental and Emotional Effects
The psychological impact of life changes can be profound. Change can challenge our sense of stability and security, leading to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. Our brains are wired to seek familiarity and predictability; thus, when confronted with change, the nervous system can become overactive, resulting in heightened stress levels and emotional turmoil.
Why Change Is So Disruptive
Change disrupts the nervous system primarily because it forces us out of our comfort zones. The nervous system is designed to maintain homeostasis, or a stable internal environment. When faced with change, the body must adjust to new stimuli, which can temporarily overwhelm the system. Especially if it is already heightened due to stress or other ongoing circumstances.
During times of change, the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the 'fight or flight' response) is often activated. This activation increases the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which, if prolonged, can lead to chronic stress and related health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems.
The problem is this heightened response can keep on happening, repeating and escalating the issue and, if your stress isn’t dealt with properly and the stress cycle completed for the body to return to it’s parasympathetic state then you can end up with large amounts of internal inflammation and other, much worse, health issues.
Holistic and Herbal Ways to Support the Nervous System During Change
There are many different ways to help yourself and your nervous system through times of change, in fact, if done right using the seasons as your compass and guide, and learning to gently and slowly adapt your routines and habits with the seasons can actually help you to improve your flexibility, adaptability and openness to dealing with change to make you MORE resilient!
Here are some lifestyle practices and herbal ways to support your mind, body and emotions through the upheaval of change whether big or small…
Lifestyle Practices
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices help calm the nervous system by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Regular mindfulness or meditation sessions can enhance emotional resilience and improve overall mental health.
Physical Activity: Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It stimulates the production of endorphins, which are mood elevators, and helps reduce levels of stress hormones. Activities like yoga, tai chi, and walking in nature are particularly beneficial.
Adequate Sleep: Ensuring sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for nervous system health. A consistent sleep schedule and a calming bedtime routine can help regulate the body's internal clock and improve stress management.
Balanced Nutrition: Eating a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, supports overall health and provides the nutrients necessary for optimal nervous system function.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining physical and mental performance. Water helps transport nutrients to cells and remove waste products, keeping the body and mind functioning smoothly.
Herbal Remedies
Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb helps the body cope with stress by regulating cortisol levels and supporting adrenal health. It's known for its ability to enhance resilience to physical and emotional stress.
Lemon Balm: A calming herb that helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. It's particularly useful for those experiencing nervousness or insomnia due to stress.
Passionflower: This herb is effective in alleviating anxiety and improving sleep quality. It works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps calm the nervous system.
Chamomile: Known for its gentle sedative effects, chamomile is excellent for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It's often consumed as tea to soothe the mind and body.
Lavender: The soothing scent of lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety. Lavender oil can be used in aromatherapy or added to a bath for a calming effect.
Rhodiola: Another adaptogen, Rhodiola helps the body adapt to stress by balancing neurotransmitters and improving energy levels. It's particularly helpful for combating fatigue and enhancing mental clarity.
Nutritional Supplements
Magnesium: This mineral plays a crucial role in nerve function and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. Magnesium supplements or magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can support nervous system health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and flaxseed, omega-3s are essential for brain health and can help reduce inflammation and improve mood.
B Vitamins: These vitamins are vital for nervous system function and energy production. A B-complex supplement can help manage stress and support overall mental health.
Probiotics: Gut health is closely linked to mental health. Probiotic supplements can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports a balanced mood and stress response.
Change, whether seasonal or related to life events, is a natural part of our existence. While it can be disruptive to the nervous system, understanding its impact and taking proactive steps to support our bodies can make these transitions smoother.
Through mindfulness, proper nutrition, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices, we can nourish our nervous systems and enhance our resilience, allowing us to embrace change with grace and confidence.
Remember, it's not the change itself but how we respond to it that defines our experience and wellbeing.
xo Emily
