3 Signs Your Body Is Begging for a Nervous System Reset


3 Signs Your Body Is Begging for a Nervous System Reset

(And how to finally feel like yourself again)


 You’re doing all the “right” things. You try to eat (when you remember), power through your to-do list, and get to bed at a reasonable hour. But something still feels off.

Maybe it’s the headaches. Or the way your stomach ties itself in knots. Or that frustrating feeling like you just. can’t. breathe. Ugh!!

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not broken.

When your nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode, your body starts sending signals that it’s overwhelmed—even if your brain is trying to keep it all together. This took me a long time to figure out (many years ago). 

Let’s talk about the 3 physical signs your body may be begging for a nervous system reset:

1. Migraines That Come Out of Nowhere

You’re not just “sensitive to stress.” When your nervous system stays in high alert for too long, the tension builds up—fast.

That throbbing headache that starts behind your eyes or at the base of your neck? It’s your brain’s way of saying:
“I can’t take one more thing.”

These kinds of headaches are more than a nuisance—they’re a red flag that your system is running on empty. And we can’t ignore this symptom.

I’ve experienced numerous migraines myself, and I know how debilitating they can be. But here’s the good news:
When you start tracking what’s triggering them and dig into the real root cause—like chronic stress, poor sleep, or blood sugar crashes—you can drastically reduce or even eliminate that awful head pain.

It’s possible. I’ve lived it. And I help my clients find that same relief.

2. Digestive Issues (Yes, That’s Anxiety Too)

Let’s talk about what no one wants to talk about: constipation, bloating, or sudden diarrhea. 😣

If your stomach flips at the smallest stressor or feels constantly uncomfortable, it might not just be food—it could be your nervous system.

When we’re stuck in a stress response, digestion gets pushed way down the priority list. That discomfort you’re feeling? It’s not just in your head. It’s your body trying to survive the pace you’ve been forced to keep. Let's stop trying to know where all the bathrooms are located when we go out! 

3. Feeling Like You Can’t Take a Deep Breath

This one hits extra close to home. I’ve experienced this myself—where my breath feels fast and shallow, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t get that satisfying deep inhale. It’s unsettling, and to be honest? Super annoying.

When I really check in with myself during those moments, I notice even more:
My stomach feels bloated. My clothes feel tight and uncomfortable. I don’t want to go anywhere or see anyone. I just want to hide.

And that discomfort doesn’t stop when the day is over. It impacts how I sleep, how I eat, and how I feel in my own skin.

You're Not Broken—You're Overloaded

These signs aren’t random. They’re your body waving a white flag.

And the good news?
You can reset. YES!

In my practice, I help busy, anxious adults learn how to tune back in—gently, gradually, and without adding more chaos to their already full lives. Together, we use:

  • ✨ Nervous system regulation tools

  • 🥣 Gentle nutrition shifts

  • 🌿 Personalized self-care routines

So you can stop spiraling at 3am, and start feeling more calm, grounded, and at home in your body again.

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Let’s work together to bring your nervous system out of survival mode—so you can finally rest, breathe, and live the life you’ve been craving.

👉 Regulate & Rise 20min Consult: https://calendly.com/mpettengilllcsw/15min
👉 website:  https://www.michellepettengilllcsw.com/

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