Prolonged perceived threat leads to dysregulation and chronic illness.
Finding safety leads to healing, repair, connection, homeostasis, peace.
Safety is crucial for health because the state of our nervous system determines our physiology, which in turn influences our ability to function optimally, and to recover from physical or emotional stress.
When we feel safe, our body enters a place "rest, digest and connect", aka the ventral vagal parasympathetic nervous system. In this state, our body can repair, maintain health and be in authentic connection with others.
On the other hand, when we feel unsafe (from often seemingly subtle/minor triggers), our body can go into "fight-or-flight-or-freeze" mode, which shifts the body into a state ready to deal with perceived danger. This is often experienced as hypervigilance (feeling "on edge"), difficulty relaxing or unwinding, fatigue or burnout, anxiety, panic, or racing thoughts, emotional numbness or detachment.
In a world where the baseline is high stress, with SO many triggers pulling us into survival threat mode, it’s imperative we become intentional in regularly signaling safety to our nervous systems. (note; this requires showing, not telling)
Here are some ways I signal safety to my nervous system:
· Somatic tools, body-based exercises that show your body it is safe (more on this later)
· Time outside with no distractions, orienting to Gods creation, taking in all the senses
· Prayer time with the Lord, and reading the Word
· Sunlight, unfiltered – close to sunrise, throughout the day and at sunset; just being outside or going on walks
· Self check-in’s; attuning to the body, simply listening and turning towards what’s happening inside.
Feeling safe is foundational to allowing the body to shift from a stress-driven state to one that promotes repair, balance, and overall healing. It creates the right environment for all systems in the body to function at their best and repair imbalances that might otherwise be ignored during periods of stress or fear.
Your nervous system is constantly working to keep you alive and healthy. When it’s in a state of safety, it can do its best work—regulating everything from emotions to immune function.
Comments