How Your Autonomic Nervous System Affects Your Emotions, Behaviors and Overall Well-Being

Have you ever caught yourself reacting to something so intensely or automatically that it felt almost beyond your control? Maybe you’ve noticed certain patterns in how you respond to stress or situations, patterns that you wish you could change. Or perhaps you’ve been carrying a constant tension, feeling on edge more often than you’d like. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. These reactions aren’t a reflection of who you are at your core—they’re rooted in something deeply ingrained in all of us: our Autonomic Nervous System.

What Is the Autonomic Nervous System?

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is like the command center for our body’s involuntary functions: heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and more. It operates behind the scenes, helping us adapt to changes in your environment and ensuring us survive and thrive. The ANS is divided into two branches:

1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

These two systems are like two sides of a coin, each with its own purpose.

When we’re relaxed and feel secure, the parasympathetic nervous system is in charge, putting us in what we call a ‘rest-and-digest’ state. Our breathing is slow and steady, our heart rate is calm, and we feel at ease. This state allows us to think clearly, connect with others, and take care of ourselves.

But when the body senses a threat, even a small one, the sympathetic nervous system takes over, preparing us for survival. This reaction is known as the "fight-or-flight" response. In this state, our body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Our heart starts to race, breathing quickens, and our muscles tense up—all to prepare us to either fight or escape. This is incredibly helpful if we’re facing a real danger.

ANS In The Modern World

But here’s the thing: our modern world often triggers this fight-or-flight response even when we’re not in physical danger. Everyday stressors, like a tough day at work, a difficult conversation, or even the constant notifications from our phones, can activate the sympathetic nervous system, making us feel under threat. Without a way to release this pent-up energy, our body stays in that high-alert state, creating chronic stress.

Over time, being "stuck" in this state can lead to physical and mental health problems. Chronic stress wears down our immune system, disrupts our digestion, and contributes to conditions like high blood pressure, anxiety, and even chronic pain. And for those who’ve experienced early childhood trauma, the nervous system may be more sensitive to stress, making it easier to get stuck in these patterns.

Why It’s Not Your Fault (and What You Can Do About It)

So, if you sometimes feel overwhelmed, reactive, shutdown, or even frustrated with yourself for not being able to change certain patterns, know that it’s not because you’re weak or "bad" at handling stress, your nervous system may simply not feel safe, and that can lead to reactions that feel automatic and hard to control.

The good news is that NOW you know!

There are many ways to help our nervous system feel safe again. Learning to regulate our nervous system is the first step toward holistic well-being. For years, I struggled with overwhelming emotions and physical symptoms I couldn’t explain. No matter how much I tried to "stay positive," my body seemed to have a mind of its own. That’s when I discovered the transformative power of breathwork and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). You can read about EFT and why it's called the 5-minute miracle here.

By incorporating a mixture of gentle pranayama and active breathing techniques into my daily routine, I discovered how to activate my parasympathetic nervous system, bringing myself to a calm state within minutes during triggered moments. Over time, these practices helped me build greater nervous system resilience.

At the same time, EFT allowed me to release the deep-seated trauma and stress that had been stored in my body for years. Unlike many traditional approaches, EFT doesn’t just address surface-level symptoms, it helps me gently access and release the underlying emotions and limiting beliefs that were keeping me stuck in a cycle of fear, stress, and dysregulation.

These two powerful tools, alongside other holistic practices, have completely transformed my life. I went from feeling constantly triggered, dysregulated, and overwhelmed by the chaos around me to recognizing my own states of imbalance, re-centering myself, and finding calm within minutes.

Take the First Step Toward Balance

This profound transformation and the empowerment it brought me are why I'm so passionate about the work I do today. I want to help you experience the same sense of freedom and balance in your own life! If you’re ready to take control of your well-being, I invite you to book a session with me. Together, we’ll explore how I can best support you on your healing journey.

If you’re unsure where to begin, I’ve created a resource to get you started: 10 Simple Yet Practical Steps to Regulate Your Nervous System. These techniques are designed to help you regain balance and calm whenever you feel triggered or out of balance.

Remember, the journey to well-being begins with reconnecting to the safety within. In time, with practice, you will start to build emotional resilience and embrace the challenges along your journey with ease and grace.

With love,

Miya Magic