Activate Calming Centers That De-Activate Stress Centers

Did you know stress centers and calming centers can’t be activated at the same time in the brain? I think that’s amazing that we have some conscious control over this. It changed my life to know that I could intentionally activate calming centers that would automatically de-activate stress centers!

Some easy daily calming centers to activate are...

• Practicing gratitude! I recommend writing 5 things you are grateful for every day ❤️

• 4-2-7 Breathe Technique! If you don’t have it yet you can download the free guide here.

• Nature time!  Immersing yourself in nature has a calming effect.

• Meditation! Explore our collection within our community by clicking Topic or the free ones on my podcast here.  

• Walking, yoga or other exercises you enjoy can release feel-good chemicals that are calming.

• Soaking in the positives has a calming effect too, which is one reason why I often encourage positivity tank fill-ups daily!

• Weighed blankets are also incredibly calming and so many HSPs report loving them. Here’s where I got my favorite one.

I asked members of my Sensitive Empowerment Community, what helps them activate your calming centers

• All of the above ❤️

• Today I started feeling agitated at my son who was angry he didn’t get to go out the door first (😂 4 y olds). I stopped and took a breath and I heard the twittering of little birds. I looked up and the trees above us were full of tiny bushtits. They were flitting less than a foot from us - tiny fluff balls. We both stopped and watched them. The rest of the trip to daycare was great :)

• This is really good, I’m going to try this out, the refocusing. Good stuff!

• I love all of the above as well and I think intentionally slowing down and pacing myself makes a lot of difference to how calm I'm feeling.  I've been working on this before we have to leave the house which is usually a complete flurry and it is really lowering the stress around this.

• Slowing things down. So like when I’m working and starting to feel the pressure from the job itself or wanting to rush and get some unpleasant work task done or feel upset by some email, I slow things down. I purposely type slower. I focus on breathing slower even as I’m typing. I type one word and fold my hands in my lap and sit for a few breaths. Things like this, this intentional slowing, are really helping me and I find overall I’m in a more relaxed state throughout the day. I’ve carried this slowing over into relationship communication, so slowing my responses, pausing just a little bit before replying is keeping a more relaxed center. Like a buffer ya know.

• Wow, yes. I love that. It's such a smart practice to intentionally slow down while working to help rewire the brain that yes, you can work at a more relaxed pace. Trying to integrate this kind of self-care during working hours takes so much discipline. I'm trying to do more of this and ask myself why I'm rushing whenever I notice that I'm doing it.

• I have to be intentional about even noticing that I'm stressed. When I check-in, I might realize that I have tightened my jaw and other muscles all over my body. Since March (not a coincidence on timing) this has caused me some real physical problems. Now I am more often noticing, than calming myself via deep breaths and physical relaxation.

• Yes, it's amazing what this tension and contraction in our bodies can lead to.  I tend to carry stress in my neck and shoulders and this can lead to so many other things not functioning well.

We grow so much when we talk about our experiences as sensitive people. Every day I post tips and answer questions in my Sensitive Empowerment Community and we have so many amazing discussions. I would love to have you join us! We also do weekly live events together! Here’s what some HSPs shared recently about what the community means to them…

“Being a part of this community feels like I'm home.”

“Since joining the community I've felt tremendous personal growth. I truly feel very blessed to be here.”

“Being part of this group means not feeling like I'm all alone with this! For years I wondered where the others like me were at! I'm so thankful for the support.”

“Being part of this community has been my lifeline while navigating all that has been thrust upon us recently. In many ways the isolation brought on by the pandemic has been the facilitator for personal growth I've not ever experienced, and I do not believe the outcome would have been as positive had I not had the knowledge, tools, and support of this community. Thank you.♥️”

“It is heartwarming to know that we’re out there! From New Zealand to Germany; the US to Canada and all places in between.”

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Julie Bjelland, Founder of Sensitive Empowerment, psychotherapist, empowering people with the trait of high sensitivity to know their value, honor their needs, blossom authentically, and recognize, access, and share their many gifts the world needs. As a sensitivity expert, her HSP Podcast, Blog, Books, Courses, and Sensitive Empowerment Community offer valuable resources. Get a free guide to calm your brain and take the Sensitivity Quiz at JulieBjelland.com ❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)