Nervous System Nourishment for Tender Times

Some seasons ask more of us than others.

Sometimes the world feels loud, or grief presses close, or we wake up feeling like we're already behind.

In these tender times, your body does not need to be fixed — it needs to be held.

This is the work of nervous system nourishment.

Not pushing through.

Not overriding.

But listening.

Softening.

Returning to safety, one breath at a time.

Your Nervous System is Not a Problem to Solve

You don't have to "get it together."

You don't have to explain why you're sensitive, overwhelmed, or tired.

You just have to honour it.

Your nervous system isn't trying to sabotage you — it's trying to protect you.

What it really needs is presence.

What it really wants is kindness.

Gentle Tools for Regulation

Below are a few of my go-to practices for soothing the body and settling the heart.

These aren't "fixes" — they're invitations.

Use what speaks to you, and leave the rest.

🫁 1. The Exhale Is Your Medicine

When we're anxious, we tend to hold our breath — or breathe high and shallow.

This tells the body we're under threat.

Try this:

Inhale through your nose for 4

Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6–8

Repeat for 3–5 rounds, letting the exhale be soft and long

Let your breath be a signal: We are safe now.

🪨 2. Orienting to Safety

This is a somatic technique that helps the brain register the present moment.

Try this:

Look slowly around the room

Name out loud (or silently) five things you can see

Notice the colours, textures, shapes

Feel the ground beneath you

Let yourself land here

You are not in the past.

You are not in the future.

You are here. Now.

🌳 3. Ground Through the Senses

When the mind is racing, the senses can anchor you.

Try this:

Hold a warm mug of tea and feel the weight in your hands

Step outside barefoot, even for a moment

Light a candle and focus on the flicker

Let music or scent draw you back into your body

You don't have to think your way to calm — you can feel your way there.

🤲 4. Touch for Soothing

Touch calms the nervous system — especially when it's slow, intentional, and kind.

Try this:

Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly

Gently stroke your arms or legs with your palms

Rock side to side while seated or lying down

Sway — like water, like tree branches

Movement doesn't need to be structured to be sacred.

A Final Whisper

You don't have to be "on" all the time.

You don't have to explain your tenderness.

You are allowed to rest.

You are allowed to tend.

You are allowed to pause the world and care for your own inner one.

Because when you nourish your nervous system — you're not just healing stress.

you're remembering safety.

you're returning to yourself.

And you're worthy of that, always.

---

If you're ready to learn more about nourishing your nervous system and finding steadiness in tender times, I invite you to explore my offerings. Whether you're seeking support in creating more safety in your body or want to learn practices for nervous system care, I'm here to guide your journey.

Explore Offerings →