Somatic Exercises To Navigate Overstimulation | No Music | 16 Minutes

Welcome to Day 23 of Somatic Kickstart, my transformative 30-day series designed to enhance nervous system regulation and improve your overall well-being. In today's guided somatic routine, we are focusing on navigating overstimulation. UNDERSTANDING OVERSTIMULATION Overstimulation occurs when your brain and body are bombarded by more sensory input than they can process. The nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and sensory nerves, becomes overloaded, triggering stress responses like fight, flight, or freeze. In a state of overstimulation, your prefrontal cortex—the center for decision-making and emotional regulation—can struggle to stay active, while the brainstem prioritizes survival responses. This leads to feelings of overwhelm, disorientation, and physical tension. Recognizing these effects is the first step toward creating strategies to regulate and balance your nervous system. THE SCIENCE OF THE AMYGDALA The amygdala, often referred to as the brain’s “alarm system,” is a small, almond-shaped structure located deep within the temporal lobes of the brain. Its primary role is to detect potential threats in the environment and initiate the fight-flight-freeze response, a critical survival mechanism. However, in situations of overstimulation—whether from sensory overload, emotional stress, or a chaotic environment—the amygdala can become hyperactive. This heightened state keeps the body in constant alert, even when no real danger is present. When overstimulated, the amygdala triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body to respond to perceived threats by increasing heart rate, tensing muscles, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs. While these responses are useful in genuine emergencies, they become detrimental when activated repeatedly or unnecessarily. Chronic overstimulation of the amygdala can lead to feelings of anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and even long-term health effects such as elevated blood pressure or immune system suppression. To counteract this, practices like diaphragmatic breathing are essential. Deep, slow breaths stimulate the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to various organs. The vagus nerve directly communicates with the amygdala, signaling safety and helping to reduce its activity. Studies have shown that engaging in deep breathing can reduce cortisol levels and down-regulate the body’s stress response. Over time, this rewires the amygdala to become less reactive to overstimulation, fostering a sense of calm and resilience.. - Whether you’re new to somatics or looking to deepen your practice, this guided somatic practice offers a gentle introduction to connecting with your body, mind and soul. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your experience. Reminder: If you sigh, yawn, shiver, swallow or have an emotional release, this is a sign your nervous system is starting to regulate and feel safer. - YouTube:    / @shebreath_teresa   Instagram: shebreath_official TikTok: sheBREATH Website: www.shebreath.com - As a certified trauma-centered somatic practitioner and breath therapist, I help you regulate your nervous system. My journey included transforming personal challenges into wisdom. I´ve evolved through my own trauma, trials and errors, which now empower me to offer guidance and support to others navigating their own transformations. - Disclaimer: The content provided on this channel is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Teresa Trieb is not responsible for any liabilities, injuries, or damages that may occur from following the information or advice in these videos. By voluntarily participating in these somatic exercises, you agree to do so at your own risk and accept full responsibility for any potential damage. You may consult a healthcare professional before beginning somatic exercises. These exercises are intended as a general guide; always pay attention to your body's signals and discontinue if you feel unwell. If you experience sensations such as tingling, ear ringing, dizziness, light-headedness or similar symptoms, please remain calm, as they are completely normal. #overstimulation #overwhelm #emotionalregulation #emotionalwellbeing #emotionalresilience #anxietyrelief #anxietydisorder #anxietytips #somatichealing #somatics #somatictherapy #proprioception