Do you dread Mondays? · From Stress to Calm

Do you dread Mondays?

That overwhelmed, can't-catch-your-breath feeling might not just be about your to-do list.

It could be your nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight and you might not even know it.

Here are 3 subtle signs yours might be stuck in fight-or-flight:

1. You always need to stay busy:

Stillness feels unsafe. If you're constantly doing something such as talking on the phone, cleaning, planning; your nervous system has probably wired rest to mean danger.

2. You always need background noise Silence feels threatening when your body is in survival mode. Music, TV and podcasts are not just background. They're your nervous system's way of avoiding what's underneath.

3. You can't swallow 3 times in a row This one's weird but real. When you're in fight-or-flight, your vagus nerve shuts down, digestion slows, saliva dries up. Try it right now. If you struggle - that's information for you.

If any of these hit, here are two tools you can use today:

Take 10 slow belly breaths - inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6-8. The long exhale is what activates your parasympathetic nervous system which signals to your body it's safe.
Hum or gently shake out your arms. Sounds simple, but both directly stimulate the vagus nerve.

Your nervous system learned these patterns to protect you. It can also learn new ones. And that is what we do in this community.

If this resonates with you, drop a comment below. Which sign do you experience? And if someone in your life needs to hear this, share it with them.

Much love, Neda

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Do you dread Mondays?