Your nervous system may be running the show more than you realize ~ and understanding it can change everything.
In this first episode of Your Calm, Strong Climb, we’re exploring…
Hey, y’all. Welcome to More Lovin, the podcast that brings more laughter, light, and love into everyday life. I’m your host LeAnn Austin, and together we’ll rediscover the beauty of connection to your body, your mind, your spirit, and the people you love.
Today’s episode #233: Base Camp ~ Why You Feel This Way
Hey y’all, welcome to Your Calm, Strong Climb, a five-part journey where we’re learning how to better understand our nervous system so we can feel calmer, stronger, and more supported in everyday life.
Think of this like a climb… not a sprint, not pressure, not just try harder, but a steady, loving, intentional journey toward feeling more supported in your everyday life.
Today we’re starting at Base Camp ~ because understanding why you feel the way you do is often the first powerful step toward healing.
We’re diving into the incredible work I’ve learned through nervous system expert Leah Davidson and exploring how your nervous system impacts nearly everything ~ your thoughts, emotions, reactions, energy, and sense of safety.
Before you can climb higher, it really helps to understand where you are right now… why you feel the way you do.
So let me start with this. If you’ve ever felt anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, shut down, stuck, or like you “should” be doing better, there is nothing wrong with you. Your body may simply be trying to protect you.
This is such an important shift, because so many of us blame ourselves. We think: “Why can’t I handle this better? Why do I keep overthinking? Why do I feel so reactive?”
But often this isn’t just about mindset or willpower, it’s about your nervous system.
Your nervous system is like your body’s internal safety system. It’s constantly scanning and asking, “Am I safe right now?” And based on that answer, your body responds automatically.
So here’s a simple way to think about it: Your thoughts absolutely matter. They shape your perspective and influence your choices. But many of our reactions are also physical. Our nervous system plays a huge role in how we respond to life, often before we even consciously think about it.
That means if your body feels unsafe, stressed, or overloaded, it can be really hard to positively think your way out of things. This is why understanding your nervous system can be such a game changer.
So let’s break it down. There are three main nervous system states I want you to think about.
First, Team Hyper. This is your fight or flight state. This is when your body feels activated and on high alert. You might feel anxious, overwhelmed, irritable, panicked, defensive, restless, or stuck in overthinking. This is your body preparing to protect you.
Second, Team Hypo. This is more of a shutdown state. Instead of speeding up, your system slows down. You might feel exhausted, numb, disconnected, hopeless, lethargic, or like you just want to withdraw. This is also protective.
And then there’s the place we really want to understand and return to often: Your Zone of Resilience or your Base Camp. This is where you feel calm, connected, capable, clear, compassionate. This is where your body feels safer and your brain works better. This is where you can problem solve, make thoughtful decisions, and respond the way you truly want to.
Now, here’s the key: We all move in and out of base camp. We all go into team hyper. We all go into team hypo. This doesn’t mean you’re failing or something’s wrong with you. It means you’re human, and your nervous system is doing exactly what it’s designed to do.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is awareness. Because when you can notice, “Oh, I’m in Team Hyper right now.” Or, “Wow, I think I’ve slipped into Team Hypo.”
You can begin supporting yourself instead of judging yourself. You can use tools to help guide your body back towards safety, back toward calm, back toward Base Camp.
So today, I simply want you to get curious. Ask yourself: “Where am I right now? Am I feeling hyper, anxious, over-activated? Am I feeling hypo, shut down, disconnected? Or am I in my zone of resilience?” No shame, no judgment, just awareness.
Because awareness is powerful. Awareness is where healing begins. Awareness is where your Calm, Strong Climb begins. Hmmm, something to think about.
So today, don’t worry about climbing the whole mountain. Just notice your base camp. Notice where you are right now. Understanding yourself is one of the most loving first steps you can take.
And remember, you don’t have to climb this alone. This work is something I absolutely love helping clients with, and I would be honored to support you.
Here’s to Base Camp, Your Calm, Strong Climb, and More Lovin. Have a good one y’all.
Thanks for tuning in. If you’re ready to take what we talk about here and make it personal, let’s work together one-on-one. I’ll help you calm your nervous system, strengthen your relationships, and create more lovin, laughter, and calm in your life. You can find all the details at leannaustin.com
Until next time, keep choosing fun, connection, and a whole lot more lovin. Have a good one y’all.