How I’ve Been Healing My Nervous System: My Daily Somatic Tools & Practices
For the past year, I’ve been on a journey of deep nervous system healing. After years of running on overdrive, pushing through burnout, and living in a constant state of stress, my body finally told me it had had enough.
Low cortisol, adrenal fatigue, and an overstimulated nervous system were my wake-up calls to slow down and truly relearn what rest and regulation felt like.
I had been in traditional talk therapy for years, which helped me process emotions intellectually, but I was still feeling stuck, like I understood my stress and past trauma, but my body hadn’t quite caught up. That’s when I decided to incorporate somatic coaching alongside my therapy, and it has been a game-changer.
Why Somatic Coaching Has Been So Transformative
Unlike talk therapy, which focuses primarily on the mind, somatic coaching works with the body. It’s about where stress, trauma, and emotions are stored—not just how we think about them, but how we physically feel them. I realized I wasn’t just mentally exhausted; my body was carrying years of tension, dysregulation, and unprocessed emotions.
Some of the biggest shifts I’ve noticed from working with a somatic coach:
• I don’t just think about emotions anymore—I feel them move through me.
• I’ve learned to recognize when my nervous system is in fight-or-flight vs. when I’m truly at peace.
• I now have daily somatic tools that bring me back to regulation when I start feeling overwhelmed or shut down.
The Somatic Tools & Practices I Use Daily
Healing my nervous system isn’t just about the big breakthroughs, it’s about daily regulation and intentional rest. These are some of the somatic tools I use every day to feel more grounded, present, and in tune with my body:
1. Infrared Sauna Sessions
My infrared sauna has become a non-negotiable part of my healing routine. I use it 3-4 times a week, and it helps with:
✔️ Deep relaxation & nervous system regulation
✔️ Detoxification & circulation
✔️ Releasing tension and stress stored in my muscles
It’s one of the only times I fully unplug and allow my body to shift into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state.
2. Red Light Therapy
I’ve also incorporated red light therapy into my routine, which has helped with:
✔️ Reducing inflammation & stress on a cellular level
✔️ Supporting my adrenal health & energy levels
✔️ Aiding in muscle recovery from workouts
I love using it in the morning to set the tone for the day or post-sauna for extra recovery benefits.
3. Grounding & Walking Outside
Every day, I make it a priority to get outside and connect with the earth. Whether it’s:
• Walking barefoot on the ground (grounding helps regulate the nervous system)
• A slow, intentional outdoor walk to reduce stress
• Simply stepping outside in the morning for natural light exposure
These little practices remind my body that it’s safe, helping me shift out of stress mode and into regulation.
4. Breathwork & Body Awareness
I used to think healing was just about mindset shifts, but I’ve learned it’s so much more about the body.
Now, I incorporate:
• Somatic breathwork (slow exhales, box breathing, or sighing to release tension)
• Body scans (checking in with where I’m holding tension and consciously releasing it)
• Shaking or movement (yes, literally shaking out stress like animals do!)
These simple tools help me reset when I start feeling dysregulated or overstimulated.
5. Yoga & Gentle Movement
Yoga has been one of the most effective ways for me to release tension, calm my nervous system, and reconnect with my body. Unlike intense workouts that can sometimes feel overstimulating when my cortisol is low, yoga allows me to move in a way that feels supportive and restorative.
I focus on:
✔️ Slow, intentional flows that prioritize breath and body awareness
✔️ Restorative and yin yoga to help my nervous system settle into a relaxed state
✔️ Stretching and mobility work to release stored stress and tension
Even just 10-15 minutes of yoga helps me regulate, reset, and feel grounded. It’s become an essential part of my somatic healing routine.
Final Thoughts: Healing Is a Daily Practice
Healing my nervous system has been one of the most transformative things I’ve done for my overall well-being. It’s not just about what I do, it’s about how I show up for myself daily, honoring my body’s signals instead of pushing through exhaustion.
If you’ve ever felt like talk therapy wasn’t quite enough, or like you’re still carrying stress in your body despite all the mindset work, you’re not alone. Adding somatic tools to my healing journey has made all the difference, and I truly believe everyone can benefit from learning how to regulate their nervous system.
I’d love to hear, do you have any somatic practices that help you feel more grounded? Let me know!
Xx,
Shelby