12 ways to regulate your nervous system

Being a calm, centred presence for clients (while also having a naturally type-A personality) means I have to actively create moments of peace. “Peace over productivity” is a mindset I’ve been reflecting on, experimenting with, and gradually embodying. The benefits have been profound — in my work, my relationships, and my sense of self.

Here I share 12 ways that I have found help to prevent overstimulation and burnout.

1. Self-compassion

Following my own philosophy of “small steps, big shifts” means treating myself as I would a client or friend — celebrating small wins, viewing mistakes as pivotal learnings, and maintaining respect for and acceptance of myself even when things don’t go to plan.

2. Investing in therapy

Therapy provides such a profound space to reflect, recalibrate, and share without judgement. It helps me unlearn old patterns that have become unhelpful, gain a fresh perspective on any hurdles I’m facing, and move forward with a clearer sense of who I am becoming.

3. Investing in coaching

Working with a career coach offers structure and accountability, but also a celebration of progress towards my goals. It’s where I manifest my next chapter in a nurturing space that has helped me deepen my authenticity and strengthen my confidence in my voice, actions, and beliefs.

4. BREATHE

Breathwork can be both powerful and transformative. But day to day, I keep it simple — a few trusted breathing patterns scattered throughout the day are an immediate remedy to tension build-up and my go-to when I start to feel my chest tighten, heart race, or stomach churn. Adrenaline, at times, is normal, but managing it through breathing techniques has been a game changer for me.

5. Movement as medicine

Yoga, a daily walk in nature, and resistance work when I need to feel mentally strong or in need of release. Movement has become less about body image and more about catharsis — an antidote to cortisol.

6. Energy scheduling

Assigning tasks to different energy ‘zones’ in the day based on when I have the most mental clarity, expansive creative energy, or need space in nature to let the cogs process subconsciously for a few hours. This way, I’m aligning with my natural rhythm instead of sitting endlessly in front of a screen forcing productivity.

7. Cycle planning

Mapping my hormonal cycle and understanding that some weeks are just going to feel more stagnant and cloudier, and others will feel much more vibrant and optimistic.

8. Writing (on real paper, with a real pen!)

Growing up, I loved creative writing, and since leaving the heavy corporate environment I have found pleasure in writing again through poetry and journalling. It sparks a creativity and way of thinking that bleeds into all facets of life — allows you to see things differently, romanticising the ordinary, and inviting a simple kind of escapism that can be hugely beneficial.

9. Booking ‘R&R’ into my diary

My evenings and weekends used to be crammed full — I felt a need to squeeze social plans into every spare minute. That, on top of international travel for work and “climbing the corporate ladder,” led to chronic exhaustion. Learning to slow down and choose where I expend my energy carefully allows a much gentler lifestyle and a rhythm that delivers a steadier, more sustainable source of contentment.

10. DANCE

My clubbing days are mostly behind me… but dancing barefoot on the grass at a festival is still my biggest joy! Obviously, that’s not accessible all year round… but whether it’s a DJ set, ecstatic dance, or simply dancing around the kitchen, it gives me a natural hit of endorphins and a sense of release.

11. Redefining success

Freedom is my version of success — financial freedom, but also freedom of time, choice, and creative expression. Keeping that in mind shapes my daily decisions, reminding me that small, intentional actions build into a life aligned with what matters most.

12. Investing in the relationships that really matter

I prioritise the people who see me fully, who champion me, lift me up, and listen deeply. True connection regulates the nervous system like nothing else.