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Here’s how to really enjoy yourself!
09 . 12 . 24
09 . 12 . 24
This week, I want to take it a little further. While December can be magical, it can also feel relentless if we’re not careful. I don’t want anyone to just get through this season. I want you to properly enjoy it. To feel calm, connected, and alive. Even if that for you means spending the majority of it curled up on the sofa having a quiet one, or surrounded by friends and loved ones, or even partying the weeks away (not for me… OK, just one big party then). Whatever floats your boat is exactly what you must do. I insist.
The truth is, we live in a world that ties our worth to how much we achieve. It’s no wonder so many of us feel the pull to do more, be more, and fit everything in, especially now, at this time of year. But when we push ourselves too hard, our bodies, our nervous systems, and ultimately our whole experience of life, pays the price.
When we’re constantly in a state of “go, go, go,”. It shows we are operating from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state. This state is designed to help us survive immediate threats, in short bursts of around 20 minutes or so. It is not designed to make sure we are constantly switched on to battle our way through endless to-do lists, or juggle the countless demands we for some reason assign as being ‘essential right now’, just because it’s blummin’ Christmas.
Your heart races, your breathing becomes shallow, and your body collects up all the energy it needs to keep going from anywhere it can... Honestly it does, diverting energy from functions like digestion and clear thinking, to prepare you for action. Releasing all those chemicals that keep you ‘on’.
If we stay here too long without allowing ourselves to regulate and return to a place of calm, our bodies get stuck here (hello anxiety). Over time, this can lead to us feeling properly burnt out, feeling frustrated that we still can’t seem to ‘catch up’ and have no time to switch off, and ultimately leads to disconnection, from ourselves and others. Not to mention the physical toll on your health. Digestion slows because it’s not deemed essential when your body senses danger. Sleep becomes harder to access because your brain stays on high alert, scanning for threats. And your immune system weakens steadily over time, as it too takes low priority in the fight or flight energy resource requirements…, Leaving you even more susceptible to getting ill. Anyone experience that when they finally stop? Yep.
This is why nurturing your nervous system really isn’t a luxury to be thought about as the last priority, it’s essential before everything else. And it’s something you can intentionally spend time nurturing and regulating this festive season (and at any time of year, actually!).
1. Get Outside
I said it last week and I’ll say it again… Even just a few breaths of fresh air can work absolute wonders. Nature regulates our nervous systems. Get outside! Feel the cool, crispness of the December air (OK Aussie friends, not so cold for you, but hey, if you can have sun on your face - even better!), and take a deep, gentle breath. Let the fresh air refresh and energise you. Notice the sounds, the smells, the sensations, this brings you back to the present and signals to your body, “You’re safe.” Gorgeous.
2. Music is the Answer
Music has the most extraordinary ability to influence your nervous system. Music shifts me so quickly from one state, one mood, to another. LOVE. It’s my absolute tonic. Whether it’s something soothing, joyful, energising, massively bassy or contains a voice like silk to the ears… Let it fill your space and your body. Pay attention to how the sounds ‘feel’ in your body, how they lift your mood, soothe your soul, or bring that “all is well” feeling.YES!
3. Connect Intentionally
Spend quiet, uninterrupted time with someone you love. This might just be a conversation with a partner or mate, cuddling with your child, or even sitting with your dog or cat on the sofa. Connection is one of the most powerful ways to regulate your nervous system, it signals safety, calm, and belonging. Lovely.
4. Do Something Creative
Maybe it’s baking, writing, wrapping pressies, or making something with your hands (Biona hazelnut spread buttercream is a good one to try - just made it for my husband’s birthday cake so thought I’d mention!). Creativity for its own sake can bring you back to a place of ease and calm. Let yourself enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome. Imagine that!
When your nervous system feels safe and regulated, you feel calm, relaxed, and present. You’re able to really experience joy and connection fully. This is called the ventral vagal state, where creativity, clarity, and connection release their wonderful magic.
If we stay stuck in the sympathetic state (fight-or-flight) for too long, we risk slipping into the dorsal vagal state (shutdown). This is where everything feels overwhelming, heavy, and hard to engage with. It might look like withdrawing from loved ones, feeling like you can’t get out of bed, or shutting down emotionally. You know we’ve all been there, but now we know how to keep that at bay. Right?
Your nervous system doesn’t speak the language of logic or words, it has no ears, it responds to experience and sensation. This is why these small, intentional precious moments, like getting outside or allowing time for music, are so incredibly powerful. They show your nervous system, “It’s safe to relax, connect, and be.”
And there’s something even more magical about it too. When you’re calm and regulated, the people around you feel it too. This is thanks to mirror neurons in the brain, which help us unconsciously sync with the emotional states of those around us.
When you’re grounded and calm, your nervous system sends out signals of safety to others. It’s why a relaxed, centred presence can soothe a crying baby or calm a tense room. This ripple effect means that when you nurture yourself, you’re also nurturing your relationships and creating a more peaceful environment for everyone you love. So you can put yourself first, it’s definitely the way forward!
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, take this as your nudge to slow down and tune in. This season does most certainly not have to be about doing more, it can be about feeling more and ‘being’ more. Enjoying more. What a treat!.
If you’re ready to get deeper into understanding and nurturing your own nervous system, I’d love to support you.
Click here to book your 1:1 nervous system Power Hour with me today.This hour is for YOU. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back, explore simple yet transformative practices, and get you feeling calm, grounded, and ready to enjoy you life on your terms - for good!
Let’s choose to make this December one where you feel calm, connected, and truly alive in your own life.