Your Nervous System Needs Rest Too

People-pleasers often feel like they must be “on” all the time – alert to others’ needs, smoothing situations, or anticipating conflict. But your nervous system needs rest just like your body does.

Constantly responding to others can overload your system. You may feel drained, irritable, or anxious, even when nothing immediately stressful is happening. These are signs your nervous system is asking for downtime.

Simple, regular pauses – a walk outside, deep breathing, or noticing sensations in your body – help your system regulate. Rest is not indulgence. It’s a vital tool for safety and wellbeing.

Reflection Prompt:

• “When did I last give my nervous system a real pause?”

  
  

Mini Tool:

• Try a 5-minute grounding walk, noticing your feet on the ground, sounds around you, and the rhythm of your breath. Noticing that in the here and now, you are safe, you can exhale.

This is just the beginning. Soon, there will be a dedicated space for people 'who learnt to survive by being good' to explore self-regulation tools safely and consistently. Let me know if you'd like to find out more.