How to Support Your Nervous System Through Big Life Changes

Whether it’s a job shift, a breakup, a cross-country move, or a quiet internal shift that no one else can see, change impacts our nervous system in real and measurable ways. The body doesn’t differentiate between “good” and “bad” stress—it just feels stress. Without proper nervous system support, these life transitions can trigger old patterns, physical symptoms, or emotional overwhelm.

Let’s break down what your nervous system really needs during times of transition—and how you can give it the support it’s asking for.

1. Understand the Role of the Nervous System Support in Change

The nervous system is your body’s command center. It interprets signals from your environment and determines how you respond—physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. During change, your nervous system is on high alert. It’s constantly scanning for safety, often defaulting to fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.

If you’ve ever felt foggy, exhausted, or on edge during a time of transition, that’s not a personal flaw—it’s your nervous system trying to protect you.

2. Regulate with Consistency, Not Perfection

A regulated nervous system isn’t one that’s calm 24/7—it’s one that can adapt and return to balance. This is where consistency comes in. Try building nervous system support into your daily routine through small but meaningful actions:

• A few minutes of slow, diaphragmatic breathing upon waking

• Stepping outside and noticing your surroundings (sky, sounds, temperature)

• Drinking water first thing in the morning to help reduce stress on the system

• Gentle spinal movement, like cat-cow stretches or a short walk

These are not big, flashy interventions—but they’re effective.

3. Reevaluate Your Environment

One of the most overlooked aspects of nervous system support is your physical and social environment. Ask yourself:

• Does your space make you feel safe and settled—or cluttered and overwhelmed?

• Are you surrounding yourself with people who co-regulate with you or constantly activate your stress response?

Sometimes supporting your nervous system means rearranging your furniture, clearing out your inbox, or taking space from certain relationships—even temporarily.

4. Acknowledge Stored Emotions

Transitions tend to stir up grief, anger, or fear—especially if you didn’t have space to process those emotions when they originally occurred. The body remembers. This can look like muscle tension, digestive issues, fatigue, or irritability.

Instead of pushing through, try naming the sensation out loud. Say, “I feel tightness in my chest,” or “My stomach feels unsettled.” This small act of awareness helps the nervous system feel seen, which in turn allows it to settle.

5. Get Support That Works With Your Body

Working with a practitioner who understands the intricacies of the nervous system can be game-changing—especially during life transitions. At Vertically Sourced, Dr. Shea offers Network Spinal care, which uses gentle, precise contacts along the spine to help your body release tension, develop new neural strategies, and move out of stress patterns.

Unlike traditional chiropractic care, Network Spinal works with your body’s innate intelligence, helping you respond to life with more presence and resilience.

6. Don’t Rush Integration

Even positive change takes time to integrate. Give yourself permission to slow down, rest more, and let things take root. Remember: regulation isn't a destination—it’s a relationship you’re building with yourself over time.

Change is inevitable, but dysregulation doesn't have to be. By taking small, intentional steps toward nervous system support, you give your body and mind the opportunity to not just survive transition—but grow through it.

If you're navigating a season of change and want to support your nervous system from the inside out, schedule a free discovery call with Dr. Shea. You don’t have to go through it alone—and your body doesn’t have to stay stuck.