5 Signs of a Regulated Nervous System from Our Team of Therapists

Your nervous system is like your body's control center, constantly responding to stress, emotions, and your environment. When it’s dysregulated, you might feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode. But when it’s regulated, you feel grounded, calm, and resilient.

So, how do you know if your nervous system is in balance? Here are five key signs of a regulated nervous system:

1. You Can Handle Stress Without Feeling Overwhelmed

✅ Life throws challenges at all of us, but if you can respond to stress instead of reacting impulsively, it’s a sign your nervous system is in balance. Instead of feeling stuck in fight-or-flight, you can process emotions and return to a calm state.

2. Your Breathing is Steady and Deep

✅ A regulated nervous system allows for slow, deep breathing instead of short, shallow breaths. If you notice yourself breathing effortlessly from your belly rather than your chest, your body is in a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state.

3. You Feel Safe and Connected in Relationships

✅ When your nervous system is regulated, you feel emotionally safe and comfortable connecting with others. You can maintain eye contact, listen attentively, and express yourself without fear of judgment or defensiveness.

4. Your Body Feels Relaxed, Not Tense

✅ Chronic stress can cause tight muscles, headaches, and digestive issues, but a regulated nervous system allows your body to rest and repair. If you notice loose shoulders, an unclenched jaw, and overall relaxation, your system is in a balanced state.

5. You Can Shift Between Activity and Rest with Ease

✅ A well-regulated nervous system allows you to focus and take action when needed—but also to rest and rechargewithout guilt or restlessness. If you can move between work and relaxation effortlessly, it’s a great sign of nervous system health.

How to Support Nervous System Regulation

If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or feeling stuck in survival mode, there are simple ways to bring your nervous system back into balance:
✨ Deep breathing exercises
✨ Grounding techniques (like walking barefoot or using weighted blankets)
✨ Gentle movement (yoga, stretching, or shaking)
✨ Co-regulation (connecting with safe, supportive people)

At Serene Mind Counseling in Tampa, we help clients understand and regulate their nervous systems to feel calmer, more resilient, and emotionally balanced. If you’re ready to explore techniques that work for you, we’re here to support you!

👉 Ready to feel more grounded? Contact us today to learn more about our therapy services.

How to Support Our Veterans

The purpose of Veteran’s Day is to recognize the service of each and every American veteran. Veteran’s Day especially emphasizes honoring and giving thanks to living veterans who served their country. In the spirit of commemorating veterans, it is important to acknowledge the trauma and subsequent mental health challenges many of them experience and learn how best to support these veterans.

Here are a few ways you can help support veterans:

1. Educate yourself.

One of the best ways you can support veterans is to learn about the mental illnesses they may be experiencing. This allows you to better understand what they are going through and be compassionate. Common mental health challenges include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Traumatic Brain Injury.

2. De-stigmatize mental illness.

Many members of the military do not seek mental health treatment due to stigmas; these stigmas include the view that veterans with mental illnesses are “weak.” Dismissing these hurtful viewpoints and promoting recovery for veterans can increase their comfort level with seeking help.

3. Assist available resources.

There are many organizations that were created to support veterans and provide mental health care. Volunteering with these organizations and/or raising awareness of their existence is a great way to support the health and wellbeing of veterans. Here is a great list of just some resources, https://www.vehiclesforveterans.org/free-mental-health-resources-for-veterans/

Remember, supporting for our veterans and advocating for mental health care should be a priority every day, not just on Veteran’s Day.