Co-regulation tips

Co-regulation is the process of someone with a regulated nervous system, meaning they are in a parasympathetic state (rest/digest). They are effectively sharing their calm energy with someone whose nervous system has/is in a sympathetic state (fight/flight/freeze/fawn).

A tip to help heal my nervous system was learning how to communicate my need for co-regulation. At times it has been/is done with a loved one, other times it has been/is done with one of my 5 beloved pets.

The main key is that it's necessary that the co-regulation occurs in a safe environment: for me the majority of the time, it's either in my Home or in Nature.

This takes time!! Repeated practice! Clear communication! Safe environments. SAFE ENVIRONMENTS are key! Doing this work and returning to unsafe environments would erase all the intentional healing work I've done.

Does that mean I continue to stay in hermit mode? No. But I am aware that I will not put my wellness at jeopardy and enter into unsafe environments.

Nervous system work takes intention, time, clear communication, and repeated practice. If I was asked, I couldn't even put a time frame on it. It is an act that grows stronger over time, and has become a part of my journey. It's learning and embracing a new way of living life.

Simple ways to co-regulate with a loved one or a beloved pet:

- Snuggling: cuddling. hold hands/paws. A loving touch.

- Dancing: create a feel good playlist! My cat Sidney loved to dance with me.

- Movement: going for a stroll. Partner yoga. The key is rest/digest, not an intense workout/triggering movement. No spike in heart rate/cortisol levels.

- Hugging: my absolute favorite way to regulate paired with breathwork. There is something special about a warm embrace.

- Breathwork: I often pair this with hugging.

Having a nervous breakdown/workplace ptsd meant I had to essentially re-wire the complex system. I am continually re-wiring my complex system. Workplace PTSD left my nervous system completely "fried". The constant inability to regulate after a crisis resulted in a nervous breakdown. my body was constantly in a loop of fight/flight.

Healing has been tedious, and quite often very isolating work. The isolating, for me, was necessary due to being so dysregulated. My startle response was on rapid fire.

However, I do have an amazing healing team around me in @comfortcounselling @enlightenwellnes and the amazing Kelly Davis @bodyrenewal. As well as many energy workers Jocelyn Clark, Laurie Beth Fulton, and Angela Mitchell.

Just think about this:

The nervous system is a complex interconnected network linked by axons - specialized neural fibers that form the basis for communication between functionally distinct regions of the central nervous system (CNS) and relay sensorimotor signals in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Remarkably, there are over 160,000 km (100,000 miles) of axons in the adult nervous system (Kandel, 2013).

Yep, you read that right 160,000 km. It's a complex system. Definitely not a quick fix. ;-) I hope sharing my journey, my research, and my skills will help enable growth in those who desire to work with me.

Much love,

Lori Anne

#holisticcounsellor #holisticcounselling #traumahealing #workplaceptsd #cptsd #trauma #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemregulating #nervoussystemreset #nervoussystemhealing #breathwork #naturetherapy #holisticheath #selfhealers #mentalhealthassessments #mentalhealth