How to Calm an Overactive Nervous System (2024)

There are plenty of things that can help calm the nervous system. Deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and certain medications can help to ease anxiety and nervousness. Sometimes, simply taking a break from whatever is causing the stress can be enough to help the nervous system relax. In some cases, though, more drastic measures may be necessary. Surgery or therapy may be needed to help calm an overactive nervous system. Whatever the cause of the nervousness, there are many ways to combat it and get relief.

Taking a deep breath can also help calm the nervous system. There are different ways to go about deep breathing. One is to focus on the breath and count each inhale and exhale. Another is to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth slowly and steadily. There are many variations of deep breathing, but those are two of the most common.

Relaxation techniques can also help calm the nervous system. There are several techniques to choose from, and it may take some time to find the one that works best for you. Some people find that visualization techniques work well, while others prefer to focus on muscle relaxation. There are also audiotapes and CDs available that can help guide you through relaxation exercises.

If deep breathing and relaxation techniques aren’t enough, medications may be needed to calm the nervous system.

What Things Calm an Overactive Nervous System?

There are things that you can do to calm an overactive nervous system. Some of these include:

Exercising: This can help release endorphins, which have a calming effect.

Yoga: Yoga focuses on breathing and relaxation, which can help calm the nervous system.

Meditation: This can help focus the mind and calm the nervous system.

Listening to calming music: This can help soothe the nervous system and promote relaxation.

Spending time in nature: This can help connect people with the peace and tranquillity of nature.

Massage: Swedish Massage is a go-to massage that can help relax the muscles and nervous system.

Aromatherapy: This can help calm the nervous system with the use of essential oils.

Acupuncture Therapy: This can help stimulate points on the body associated with relaxation and calming the nervous system.

Herbal supplements: Many herbs have been traditionally used to calm the nervous system, such as chamomile, lavender, and valerian.

Each person may find different things that work best for them to calm an overactive nervous system. It is good to find what works best for you. By incorporating some of these techniques into your daily routine, you can help to keep your nervous system in balance and promote a sense of calmness and peace.

Identify Triggers and Try to Avoid Them

Our nervous systems are always on alert, scanning our environment for potential threats. This is a necessary function, protecting us from harm. However, sometimes our nervous systems can be over-sensitive, causing us to react strongly to seemingly innocuous stimuli. This can be highly frustrating and can significantly impair our quality of life.

Many different things can trigger an over-sensitive nervous system. Common triggers include loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and crowds of people. However, every person is unique and will have their own specific triggers.

The best way to deal with an over-sensitive nervous system is to identify your triggers and avoid them. This can be difficult, as some triggers may be impossible to avoid entirely. However, even making an effort to reduce your exposure to triggers can help lessen the severity of your symptoms. If you struggle to identify your triggers, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you to identify and manage your triggers.

Managing an over-sensitive nervous system can be challenging, but it is definitely possible. With patience and effort, you can learn to live a full and happy life, despite your sensitivities.

Relaxation Techniques

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to help the nervous system function.

Our nervous systems are responsible for sending and receiving messages throughout the body. When it’s functioning correctly, we feel energized and alert. However, when it’s overworked or stressed, we may feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Practicing relaxation techniques can help to calm the nervous system and promote better health overall.

There are plenty of relaxation techniques that can be effective, so find one that works best for you and make it a regular part of your routine. Deep breathing is a simple technique that can be done anywhere and doesn’t require any special equipment. Yoga and meditation are also great options, as they provide additional health benefits beyond relaxation. Whatever relaxation technique you choose, make sure to practice it regularly and give yourself time to relax and rejuvenate. You’ll notice a difference in your overall well-being.

Use Your Parasympathetic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for ” fight or flight ” in response to a stressor. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to a state of “rest and digest” after the threat has passed.

Chronic stress can occur when the body is in a state of sympathetic dominance for extended periods. This can lead to a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and anxiety.

The good news is that the parasympathetic nervous system can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for returning the body to a state of rest and digest after the threat has passed. This helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The parasympathetic nervous system, unlike the sympathetic nervous system, downregulates. The vagus nerve is a major player in this process, sending signals from the brain to the body and vice versa through the nerves. Instead of your brain telling your body what to do, your parasympathetic nervous system informs your brain what’s happening.

Spend Time with Friends and Family to Reduce Stress

You may have noticed that when we spend time with those we care about, our nervous systems relax—which leads to reduced stress hormones like cortisol. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some time out to connect with the people you love. You’ll be surprised at how relaxed you feel afterward.

Do Regular Exercise

Exercise has been shown to help improve mood and cognitive function, and reduce stress and anxiety. A healthy nervous system is vital for overall health and well-being, so get regular exercise to keep yours in tip-top shape!

Seek Professional Help

The nervous system is like your body’s electrical wiring. It consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves that connect them. This system controls everything from your heart rate to your breathing to your digestion. When you are stressed, your nervous system goes into overdrive. This lead to different problems, including headaches, muscle tension, and stomach upset. If the stress is too much to handle on your own, seek professional help. A therapist can help you manage your stress and keep your nervous system under control.

Get our latest articles direct to your mailbox.

___

Join our mailing list for more articles written by family members, people with lived experience, and mental health professionals.

Get Tips to Your Inbox

About the Author: William L. Padilla is a freelance content writer. He specializes in writing about health and nutrition-related topics. Driven by his passion, he takes pride in providing the best health tips possible. As a health blogger on Supplement You Can Trust, he aspires to enhance nutrition-based content quality.

May Is Mental Health Month 2022

“Back to Basics”

May is Mental Health Month, a time to spread public awareness and education about mental health disorders and reflect on the impact of mental illness on individuals and their families.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Month is “Back to Basics.” The goal this May is to provide foundational knowledge about mental health and mental health conditions and spread information about what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern.

It is also a time to recognize and commit to changing the racial and economic inequities in our health care system, particularly with respect to mental health.

www.rtor.org and Laurel House are committed to the advancement of racial equity and social justice, and to making mental health services accessible to all.

Image by www.rawpixel.com

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.

Recommended for You

Mental Health Recovery: Twenty Practical Tips To Take You From Broken To Better

Effective Strategies for Maintaining Sobriety During the Holiday Season

Nurturing Physical and Mental Well-being in Adolescent Boys

  • Author
  • Recent Posts

Guest Author for www.rtor.org

Latest posts by Guest Author for www.rtor.org (see all)

  • Mental Health Recovery: Twenty Practical Tips To Take You From Broken To Better - December 11, 2023
  • Effective Strategies for Maintaining Sobriety During the Holiday Season - December 7, 2023
  • Nurturing Physical and Mental Well-being in Adolescent Boys - December 4, 2023

I'm an enthusiast with in-depth knowledge in the field of mental health and well-being. I've spent years exploring various relaxation techniques, understanding the intricacies of the nervous system, and staying abreast of the latest developments in mental health practices.

Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:

  1. Calming the Nervous System:

    • Techniques: Deep breathing, relaxation techniques, medications, surgery, and therapy.
    • Strategies: Taking breaks, deep breathing variations, visualization, muscle relaxation, and guided exercises.
  2. Methods to Calm an Overactive Nervous System:

    • Exercise: Releases endorphins for a calming effect.
    • Yoga: Focuses on breathing and relaxation.
    • Meditation: Helps focus the mind and calm the nervous system.
    • Calming Activities: Listening to music, spending time in nature, massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and herbal supplements.
  3. Identifying and Avoiding Triggers:

    • Triggers: Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, crowds, individual-specific triggers.
    • Management: Identifying and avoiding triggers, seeking professional help if needed.
  4. Relaxation Techniques:

    • Deep Breathing: Simple technique requiring no special equipment.
    • Yoga and Meditation: Provide additional health benefits beyond relaxation.
    • Regular Practice: Important for overall well-being.
  5. Parasympathetic Nervous System:

    • Divisions: Sympathetic (fight or flight) and Parasympathetic (rest and digest).
    • Chronic Stress: Sympathetic dominance can lead to health problems.
    • Role of Vagus Nerve: Downregulates and informs the brain about the body's state.
  6. Social Connections and Exercise:

    • Spending Time with Loved Ones: Reduces stress hormones.
    • Regular Exercise: Improves mood, cognitive function, reduces stress and anxiety.
  7. Professional Help:

    • Nervous System: Body's electrical wiring, controls various functions.
    • Symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, stomach upset.
    • Therapeutic Support: Seeking professional help for stress management.
  8. May Is Mental Health Month 2022:

    • Theme: "Back to Basics."
    • Goals: Spread awareness, educate about mental health, address racial and economic inequities.

By incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can promote a balanced nervous system, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask.

How to Calm an Overactive Nervous System (2024)

FAQs

How do I get my nervous system back to normal? ›

How to regulate your nervous system: 13 techniques to restore balance
  1. Try a physiological sigh or other breathing exercises. ...
  2. Move your body. ...
  3. Use a weighted blanket. ...
  4. Meditate to help calm your mind. ...
  5. Introduce mindfulness into your routine to help reduce stress. ...
  6. Sing or laugh. ...
  7. Give yourself a massage or a hug. ...
  8. Try tapping.
Dec 1, 2023

Why is my nervous system so overactive? ›

Chronic stress or anxiety can cause the body's “fight or flight” response to become constant – leading to an overactive nervous system. This can cause symptoms including: Physical symptoms, including weight gain, body aches and pains, chest pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, dizziness and weak immunity.

What to do when your nervous system is dysregulated? ›

They often involve practices like yoga, taking deep breaths, cold showers or trying to stimulate the vagus nerve – which is located in the neck and associated with the parasympathetic nervous system – by singing, humming or gently tapping on areas of the body.

How do you fix autonomic nervous system? ›

How is autonomic dysfunction treated?
  1. elevating the head of your bed.
  2. drinking enough fluids.
  3. adding salt to your diet.
  4. wearing compression stockings to prevent blood pooling in your legs.
  5. changing positions slowly.
  6. taking medications like midodrine.

How do I reset my vagus nerve? ›

Physical exercise

Both interval training and endurance training are great for activating the vagus nerve. “Exercise stimulates the vagus nerve with hormonal responses, which lead to benefits for the brain and mental health,” Freeman Valentine says.

What is the fastest way to reset your nervous system? ›

Hum, Chant, or Sing. Humming, chanting, and singing activates the vagus nerve, which activates the relaxation response (parasympathetic nervous system) and helps the body move out of the fight-or-flight response.

What foods calm the nervous system? ›

Which Foods Help Reduce Anxiety?
  • Avocado. Milan Krasula / Getty Images. ...
  • Calcium-Rich Foods. nevodka / Getty Images. ...
  • Eggs. ToscaWhi / Getty Images. ...
  • Leafy Greens. 4nadia / Getty Images. ...
  • Nuts and Seeds. fcafotodigital / Getty Images. ...
  • Oranges. Alexander Spatari / Getty Images. ...
  • Oysters. Pineapple Studio / Getty Images. ...
  • Salmon.
Feb 29, 2024

What drugs calm the sympathetic nervous system? ›

Decrease cell activity: Beta-blockers are an example of this, slowing down activity in your sympathetic nervous system (the system that manages your “fight-or-flight” response).

What are the physical symptoms of an overactive nervous system? ›

Racing heart, rapid breathing, tense muscles, and digestive issues such as stomachaches or nausea are common physical manifestations of stress. A racing heart is a result of the body's natural “fight or flight” stress response in the sympathetic nervous system, where the heart pumps blood faster to prepare for action.

How do you activate the vagus nerve? ›

One way to activate the vagus nerve is through slow, deep belly breathing. Focusing on your breath shifts your focus away from stressful mind chatter and toward the rhythm of the breath. Do this: Breathe in through your nose for a count of six and out through your mouth for a count of eight.

How do I get out of fight or flight? ›

How to Calm a Fight-or-Flight Response
  1. Developing a healthy support network.
  2. Engaging in relaxation exercises.
  3. Getting regular physical exercise.
  4. Making sleep a priority.
  5. Practice deep breathing techniques.
Nov 7, 2022

What is the fastest way to calm the vagus nerve? ›

Here's how.
  1. Breathe deep. Breathing exercises are often recommended when it comes to stress and anxiety, and here's another great reason to give it a try. ...
  2. Sing it out. ...
  3. Massage. ...
  4. Cold water immersion. ...
  5. Exercise. ...
  6. Listen to ASMR. ...
  7. Connect with others. ...
  8. Laugh.
May 11, 2023

What disease attacks the autonomic nervous system? ›

Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your autonomic nervous system by mistake. The autonomic nervous system is part of your peripheral nervous system. It controls specific involuntary body processes, such as your breathing, blood pressure or heart rate.

What supplements help autonomic nervous system? ›

In particular, vitamins B1, B3 (niacin), B6, B7 (biotin), and B12 contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Alongside folate, these B vitamins also play a critical role in normal psychological function.

How long does it take to reset the nervous system? ›

It is normal for the nervous system to go through a healing process after traumatic experiences, which can take approximately one month or more. Remember, everyone has power and control over their body, including stress hormones.

How long does it take to repair your nervous system? ›

Regeneration time depends on how seriously your nerve was injured and the type of injury that you sustained. If your nerve is bruised or traumatized but is not cut, it should recover over 6-12 weeks. A nerve that is cut will grow at 1mm per day, after about a 4 week period of 'rest' following your injury.

What are the top 3 common nervous system disorders? ›

Many of the conditions related to neurological disorders are related to numerous infections by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Among the most common are epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and stroke.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Corie Satterfield

Last Updated:

Views: 6238

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Corie Satterfield

Birthday: 1992-08-19

Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

Phone: +26813599986666

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.