In Part 1 of this series, we talked about why stress isn’t actually the problem—and why capacity is.
In this episode, we get into the “now what?”
Knowing you’re stressed doesn’t automatically mean you know how to regulate it. And being told you should manage stress doesn’t give much direction—especially when life is full.
In this episode, I break down what nervous system regulation actually means, why “self-care” often misses the mark, and how building capacity is the real lead domino for your health, energy, hormones, digestion, and overall wellbeing.
I also share a personal story from a period in my life where I thought I was “doing everything right,” but was actually living in a chronically stressed state—underfueling, overtraining, not recovering, and ignoring my emotions—until my body finally tapped out.
Why awareness of stress is important—but not the whole skill
What it actually means to regulate your nervous system
The difference between being calm vs. being regulated
How chronic stress shows up in the body (hormones, digestion, immunity, recovery)
Why capacity isn’t fixed—and how it’s built over time
The “cup” metaphor for understanding stress and overload
How sleep, nutrition, recovery, emotions, and boundaries all build capacity
A redefinition of resilience (hint: it’s not white-knuckling)
Practical ways to start regulating stress without overhauling your life
Stress isn’t the enemy.
Your life isn’t wrong.
And you’re not broken.
You don’t need a calmer life—you need a system that can hold the life you already have.
Grab the free “Building Capacity: The Cup” worksheet HERE
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it.
Send me a message on Instagram or an email and tell me what stood out, what clicked, or how you’re applying this.
As always, cool shit is on the other side of doing.
Let's connect
Email: meryl@wickedironstrength.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/merylcbc & www.instagram.com/wickedironstrength
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