Waking up to check your phone as soon as you open your eyes? Oof. And then you wonder why you feel this way. 

Being chronically overstimulated has begun to feel like a new normal. As ‘burnout’ culture takes over social media, it seems more adults and even youth are reporting higher symptoms of low motivation and high stress. While you may relate to the phrase ‘scroll until your eyes hurt,’ this isn’t normal. By living in a constant state of overstimulation, your nervous system is slowly frying and impacting your long-term health.  

But don’t panic, there’s still hope. When you take the right steps in learning to tend to your nervous system, you can better understand how it works in order to support it and break out of the cycle.  

Why do I feel constantly “on”?  

We’re currently living in what’s called the “Digital Age.” Almost anything we want is available at our fingertips: things to do, places to go, people to talk to, etc. It’s not to engage in entertainment or look up information anymore.  

When a notification goes off, we check it.  

A phone rings, we watch the voice mail transcription.  

When something demands our attention, it has it almost instantly.   

Work, social commitments, and busy schedules keep our productivity high and free-time short. So many of us have are accustomed to feeling overstimulated so often, now sitting still feels uncomfortable.  

What does a dysregulated nervous system look like? 

According to recent studies by the Global Wellness Institute, “Chronic digital stimulation can heighten cognitive load and sympathetic nervous system activation.” Symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system can look like: 

• Chronic fatigue 

• Frequent headaches 

• Digestive issues 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Feelings of depression or hopelessness 

• Irritability or anger 

• Memory problems 

• Racing thoughts or overthinking tendencies  

• “Brain fog” 

As more studies are released about the effects of constant stimulation, the demand for a ‘break’ from screens and digital media is getting louder and louder. Staying constantly connected with high-performance expectations can take its toll on your overall health.   

Let’s remember this: the original purpose of the nervous system was created to keep you safe, not constantly stressed or overwhelmed.  

How does the nervous system work?  

Your nervous system is divided into many parts working together to control a whole. The parts we’re mainly focusing on relating to overstimulation are the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).  

• Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) acts as a gas pedal to prep your body for action, ie. your fight or flight response center.  

• Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) helps manage your rest-and-digest functions, ie. easing breathing, slowing heart rate, stopping the rush of stress hormones.  

In Dr. Faye Bate’s interview on the “Her Discussions” podcast with Ailey Jolie, MCP and Somatic Psychologist, about Nervous System Regulation, she explains the Stress Response Cycle and briefly explains how it relates to the Digital Age.  

 “Our body still thinks there’s a bigger threat. Your body and brain have adapted to the digital times and end up mobilizing your stress response cycle. Things naturally tend to stack up and can lead to patterns of tension, bracing, disconnection from the body…etc.” 

That being said, understanding how and why your body is reacting this way is a key to making the right moves to support it in getting out of this cycle.  

How can I regulate my nervous system?  

Honesty. A great way to begin is to search inward. Reflecting in a journal or talking with a trusted friend, the key to regulating your nervous system is to first identify the current stressors in your life: 

• What is making me stressed? 

• What’s causing this overstimulation? 

• How high was my screentime this week? 

Your next step would be to think about how to create realistic opportunities for positive change. Not everyone can simply eliminate their stressors. As trendy as the phrase “just quit” has gained popularity on social media, not all lifestyles can support a sudden elimination.  

Look at what you can change or swap out in your day-to-day to help eliminate overstimulation. Think about how your current routine could adapt to change over time, and how being more intentional about this lifestyle shift can introduce new ways of recovery. Perhaps it can look like some of these examples:  

• Spending time outdoors 

• Limiting screentime 

• Intentional deep breathing exercises 

• Prioritizing sleep 

• Practicing mindfulness 

• Setting social boundaries 

• Embracing quiet 

As your routine begins to shift, your nervous system can begin to settle. So make a point to incorporate small changes so your mind and body can begin to recover. Afterall, relaxation-focused activities and self-care is our favorite way to be intentional about wellness. 

The Takeaway  

Burnout shouldn’t be as normalized as it is, and yet, more Americans report symptoms of burnout every day. Understanding where your overstimulation is coming from in this digital age we live in can help you figure out where the journey to healing your nervous system can begin. To support your nervous system regulation doesn’t always have to mean cutting out things in life that keep you stressed. To us, that would be a pretty unrealistic approach.  

Instead, consider new approaches to self-care and creating opportunities for recovery. Only then will you be able to tend to your nervous system in the way that supports your longevity and overall health.  

About MassageLuXe 

Founded in 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment. 

Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has over 100 locations across 22 states and is planning to double in size in the next three years.