Hi Reader

When we hear about nervous system regulation, we often picture the gentler practices: breathwork, meditation, nature walks, long baths. And while I’m a big advocate for all of these, the warm and cosy side of nervous system care is only one part of the equation.

The truth is, a healthy nervous system isn’t one that’s relaxed all the time. Its job, first and foremost, is to keep us alive — so if it were geared only towards rest and relaxation, it wouldn’t be doing its job very well. What we actually want is a system that can move fluidly between activation and rest, responding appropriately to the demands of the moment.

The challenge? Many of us get stuck in “on” mode — chronically buzzing, overwhelmed, and dysregulated. And because this is so common, stress itself tends to get a bad reputation.

So in today’s newsletter, I want to offer two foundational principles that shape my personal understanding of nervous system wellbeing:

1. Deliberate Stress Exposure

Strategic challenges that build our nervous system capacity

Simply put, we grow through challenge. While stress often gets painted as the enemy, we actually need a certain amount of it to adapt and build resilience. The key is finding that sweet spot — uncomfortable, but not overwhelming.

This might look like strength training, cold water exposure, or some types of breathwork. But it can just as easily mean initiating a difficult conversation, expressing how you feel even if you risk rejection, or putting yourself forward for an opportunity that scares you a little.

Taking measured steps outside your comfort zone shows your system that you're capable, that you can survive discomfort — and even thrive on the other side of it. Over time, this builds self-trust and confidence in your ability to meet life as it comes.

2. Nourishing & Restorative Practices

Intentional activities that replenish your system

This is the side of nervous system care we’re more familiar with — the gentle, grounding, restorative practices that help us recover and regulate.

Think of these as deposits into your nervous system bank account. Just like we build physical strength through training and recovery, we need to actively replenish our capacity to avoid running on empty. This might include meditation, time in nature, quality sleep, creative expression, boundary-setting, or simply slowing down and being present in small moments throughout your day.

The magic here lies in consistency over perfection. Regular, nourishing inputs — even tiny ones — add up over time, creating a sturdy base from which you can meet life’s ebbs and flows.

Finding Balance

These two principles work best in tandem: without restoration, we burn out. But without challenge, we stagnate. It’s like trying to build strength without rest — the system breaks down instead of getting stronger.

The most resilient nervous systems are those that can dance between activation and rest, growth and recovery, effort and ease.

If this resonates, I’d love for you to tune into this week’s podcast episode: Two Simple Principles for a Healthy Nervous System.

As always, I'd love to hear how this has landed for you. Feel free to hit reply and let me know — I read every response, even if I can't reply to each person individually.

Sending love,
Steph