Have you ever been told you’re just overthinking things? I’m here to show you why it’s possible you’re not overthinking, your system is just dysregulated. For a long time, I’ve come to believe that anxiety isn’t a ‘thinking problem’ but rather a ‘state problem’. Most people try to solve anxiety in their minds, but this often leads to more frustration. The real solution lies in shifting your state. Here’s a simple technique to help you recalibrate and find your center.
Prefer to watch? I’ve put my video below or if you’re a reader simply continue reading the post.
Anxiety Isn’t a Thinking Problem, It’s a State Problem
Many of us get caught in loops of anxious thoughts, trying to analyze or rationalize our way out of the feeling. But this approach often misses the root cause. Anxiety is frequently a sign that our nervous system is dysregulated. It’s not about what you’re thinking; it’s about the state your body is in. Instead of trying to fight your thoughts, you can learn to shift your physical and energetic state. I’m going to guide you through a simple recalibration we use in our work. This isn’t meditation in the traditional sense; it is a direct and powerful state shift.
A Simple Recalibration for When Your System is Dysregulated
Before we start this brief exercise, there is one important thing to know. You are in control. Your system will only allow what it feels safe to experience. So, if you are in a space where you feel comfortable to drop in, then let’s begin. If not, that’s perfectly okay. Simply save this post and come back to it when the time feels right for you.
The State Shift Exercise
- Tune Into Your Breath: Go ahead and gently close your eyes. Bring your awareness to your breath. Don’t try to change it or control it in any way. Just notice it as it is right now.
- The “I’m Here, I’m Safe” Mantra: Now, take a slow inhale through your nose, and as you do, say to yourself, “I’m here.” Then, slowly exhale through your mouth, and as you do, say to yourself, “I’m safe.” Repeat this cycle five times at your own pace. You can pause here and continue when you’re ready.
- Scan Your Body: Once you’ve settled into your breath, bring your awareness to your physical body. Gently scan from head to toe and notice where you might be holding any tension. Again, don’t try to fix it or force it to relax. The goal is simply to notice it with gentle awareness.
- Drop Deeper: Now, go ahead and open your eyes for a moment, and then close them again. As you close them this time, allow yourself to drop even deeper into this state of awareness. Remember, you are not trying to force relaxation. You are simply allowing your system to recalibrate on its own.
- Find Your Regulation Anchor: Bring your awareness to your chest and just feel. Let go of any story or analysis. Just be present with the sensation. In the next few moments, your system will give you a signal. It might be a word, a specific feeling, or a sense of knowing. This is your regulation anchor.
- Receive and Return: Take a final deep breath in and out, and just allow your system to receive that anchor. Let it arrive without judgment. When you feel ready, slowly come back. You can move your hands, stretch your body, and gently open your eyes.
The Power of Regulating Your System
That entire process took under two minutes, yet your entire state just shifted. This simple exercise highlights the profound difference between getting stuck in your thoughts and actively regulating your body’s state.
That’s the difference between trying to think your way out and actually regulating your system.
The key truly is in the word “regulate.” If you felt that shift, I’d love to know how you feel now. What came to mind for you as you allowed yourself to just receive that anchor? If you want to learn more techniques like this, come and join some of the live events that we have every single week on topics like the 13 Chakras. You can check the schedule for our next class on the page. I’ll see you there.
