Welcome back to The Survivor’s Chair. In this powerful follow-up to last week’s episode on the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn trauma responses, Kim unpacks the science—and the soul—of your nervous system.
What really happens in your body when you’ve experienced trauma? Why do you feel stuck in overdrive even when life is “calm”? And how do stress hormones like cortisol and the vagus nerve shape your healing?
From hot flashes to sleepless nights, chronic tension to burnout, Kim explains the biology behind survival mode—and how to unlearn it. You’ll walk away with a deep understanding of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, and why feeling safe in your body is the key to true healing.
nervous system, trauma, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, vagus nerve, cortisol, self-care, healing, mental health, stress management
Takeaways - The nervous system acts as the body's alarm system, constantly scanning for danger.
Trauma can lead to a persistent feeling of unsafety, affecting the nervous system's response.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response, while the parasympathetic system promotes calm and relaxation.
Cortisol, while helpful in short bursts, can be detrimental when levels remain high due to chronic stress.
The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the body's response to stress and promoting relaxation.
Unresolved trauma can hinder the proper functioning of the vagus nerve, keeping the body in survival mode.
Self-care practices are essential for regulating the nervous system and promoting healing.
Breathing exercises and gentle movements can help retrain the nervous system to feel safe.
Social connections and laughter are vital for activating the vagus nerve and improving mental health.
Healing involves unlearning past patterns and learning to feel safe in one's body.
Chapters - 00:00 Understanding the Nervous System and Trauma
06:18 The Role of the Vagus Nerve
07:53 The Importance of Sleep
11:12 Regulating the Nervous System
13:47 Practical Tips for Healing
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