Imagine transforming how you handle life’s ups and downs simply by adjusting the words you use. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how certain words can enhance nervous system regulation, or cause nervous system dysregulation. Words can help you move from stress to calm more effectively and restore balance (access your parasympathetic nervous system).
As a certified life coach, speech-language pathologist (SLP), and nervous system resilience expert, I’ve helped countless individuals experience significant shifts in their emotional and physical well-being, navigate mental and physical health challenges, and calm the nervous system just by changing their internal dialogue.
In this post, we’ll explore ten powerful, resilience-building words that directly influence your nervous system regulation, and I’ll show you practical ways to integrate these words into your everyday life, especially when you are in a stressful situation so you have the confidence on how you can regulate the nervous system.
Why Your Words Matter for Nervous System Regulation and Your Health and Wellbeing
Your words – both spoken and thought – have immense power. They shape your emotions, influence your actions, and ultimately determine your life outcomes. Every word sends subconscious messages to your brain and autonomic nervous system, either promoting feelings of safety and calm (helping you achieve homeostasis) or reinforcing chronic stress and danger (keeping you in a state of activation).
10 Powerful Words for Better Nervous System Regulation
Let’s dive into ten resilience-building words that can significantly boost our ability to regulate your nervous system.
1. Yet
This simple addition turns limitations into possibilities:
- “I can’t run a mile yet.”
- “I haven’t healed yet.”
Using “yet” signals your nervous system that the stressor you feel or the challenges you have are temporary and manageable, reinforcing resilience.
2. Nevertheless
This word highlights persistence despite setbacks:
- “I failed the test, nevertheless, I’ll try again.”
It grounds you in reality but also inspires hope and forward movement. It can help you get out of fight or flight mode.
3. Despite
Similar to “nevertheless,” it emphasizes strength amidst challenges:
- “Despite my anxiety, I showed up.”
This reframes challenges as opportunities for action and growth, and can help reduce the stress hormones that keep you activated.
4. Still
“Still” underscores persistence and patience:
- “I’m still learning.”
- “I haven’t found the solution, but I’m still trying.”
It calms your nervous system and can bring more relaxation on board by reassuring that progress, even slow, is valuable.
5. Eventually
This word fosters patience and long-term trust:
- “I’ll figure this out eventually.”
It shifts your dysregulated nervous system function from urgent panic (sympathetic nervous system) to calm perseverance.
6. Through
Emphasizing forward motion, “through” reassures your nervous system:
- “I’ll get through this one step at a time.”
It reduces the stress response that shows up like overwhelm and reinforces resilience, helping you get to that rest and digest state and maintain a healthy nervous system.
7. Beyond
“Beyond” expands your perspective, helping your nervous system move past immediate stress:
- “There’s life beyond this challenge.”
It creates optimism and promotes a healthy, flexible outlook and helps you activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
8. However
This pivot word helps balance reality with positive action, which can really impact your physical and mental health:
- “This is difficult; however, I can handle it.”
It encourages actionable optimism, crucial for a regulated nervous system.
9. Possibly (or Maybe)
Introducing flexible optimism:
- “This possibly could lead to something better.”
These words encourage flexibility, reducing stress from rigid expectations which often lead to mental health conditions. These words can help with overall nervous system health.
10. Meanwhile
A grounding word that encourages present-moment action:
- “Life feels uncertain; meanwhile, I’m focusing on self-care.”
It fosters calm and patience by emphasizing small, manageable actions and promotes emotional regulation.
Embracing Life “In the Middle” to Boost Nervous System Health and Decrease Dysregulation
Life rarely provides immediate clarity or certainty. Reminding yourself you’re always “in the middle” can help calm the nervous system, regulate emotions and improve your overall health and well-being. Recognizing uncertainty as a natural part of the journey helps you manage stress more effectively, staying calm and present even in challenging times.
Techniques to help you practically use these words
- Write these words down and integrate them into your daily journaling.
- Speak them out loud to shift your internal dialogue consciously.
- Notice how these small linguistic shifts impact your emotional state and physical sensations.
Conclusion: Your Words, Your Resilience Help Regulate Your Nervous System and Improve Your Overall Emotional Health
Words are powerful tools for nervous system regulation. By consciously choosing words that foster resilience, optimism, and flexibility, you can transform your emotional and physical health. It’s not about reaching the finish line – it’s about embracing the journey and learning to regulate you. A well-regulated nervous system is crucial for a healthy body and brain.
If you want to to learn more about nervous system development, how nervous system regulation may improve your overall wellbeing, then be sure to check out the Nervous System Journaling Club. You can get info or sign up here. Your nervous system is responsible for so many things and certain techniques including journaling and doodling can help us regulate our nervous systems.