Calm the chaos: Why nervous system regulation is your secret business (and life) superpower

We learn a lot growing up—how to read, calculate, and interact politely—but how often do we learn to soothe our nervous system? Almost never! And yet, it's one of the most essential skills for thriving, both personally and professionally. Regulating your nervous system helps you respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, stay focused under pressure, and navigate the unpredictable waters of running a business or leading a team. 

Just a fellow learner

Before we dive in, I want to be upfront: I’m not an expert. I’m not a neuroscientist or therapist. I’m simply a business owner who has learned, sometimes the hard way, how much nervous system regulation matters. Managing stress, being less reactive, and staying grounded are things I’ve learned to improve by calming my body and mind. It’s an ongoing journey, and it has made a huge difference in how I show up in both my work and my life.

Breaking free from old patterns

Have you ever noticed yourself falling into the same frustrating patterns? Maybe it's the way you snap when you're stressed or that sense of overwhelm when things don't go as planned. For me, in business, that kind of reactivity meant making bad decisions under pressure or letting fear make me miss out on opportunities.

Regulating your nervous system is about gaining control over these responses. It’s about not letting the unexpected email, tough client, or market downturn dictate how you feel and act. It’s about choosing to stay steady, no matter what comes your way. From that place of steadiness, you’re able to create the life—and business—you want, instead of just reacting to whatever happens.

Why it matters for business

Regulating your nervous system is especially powerful in business. Here’s why:

• Better decisions: When your nervous system is in overdrive, you're more likely to make choices out of fear or frustration. Calming your body helps you access the part of your brain that’s creative and strategic, which leads to better decisions.

• Navigating challenges: Business is full of challenges. When I learned to regulate my nervous system, I found I could handle those challenges without getting overwhelmed. It gave me resilience to adapt when things didn’t go as planned.

• Being a better leader: If you lead a team, your state of being affects everyone around you. When you stay calm, compassionate, and clear-headed—even in tough times—your team feels more secure and motivated.

How to regulate your nervous system

Here are some practices that have helped me and could help you too, whether you're a business owner, a team leader, or just trying to feel better in your everyday life:

• Breathwork: One of the fastest ways to calm your nervous system is through your breath. Slow, deep breathing, especially with a longer exhale, can signal your body that it’s safe. When things get stressful, try breathing in for four counts and out for six. It’s simple but effective.

• Grounding techniques: Stress often makes us feel scattered. Grounding can help bring you back to the moment. Try placing your feet firmly on the floor, feeling the sensations in your body, or stepping outside to connect with nature.

• Movement: Gentle movement like yoga or walking helps regulate the nervous system. Any exercise releases tension, but slow, mindful movement also activates your parasympathetic ("rest and digest") system.

• Vagal toning: The vagus nerve plays a huge role in calming your body. Stimulating it—by humming, chanting, or even gargling water—can help soothe your nerves.

• Mindfulness and meditation: Observing your thoughts without getting caught in them helps reduce automatic, stress-fueled reactions. Even a few minutes of meditation a day can help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.

• Cold exposure: Brief exposure to cold—like a cold shower—can help reset your nervous system and build resilience over time. It activates the vagus nerve and strengthens your ability to calm down.

A personal note on the benefits

For me, the biggest benefit has been freedom. I no longer feel like I’m just reacting to whatever comes my way. Instead, I can choose how I respond, which makes me more present in my relationships, more effective in my work, and more aligned with the life I want to live. It’s still a practice, and I have my moments like anyone else. But knowing I have these tools to help me regulate my state has made all the difference.

An invitation

Nervous system regulation isn’t just about managing stress—it’s about creating the space to respond to life in a way that aligns with your deeper values and aspirations. When you can calm your body, you give yourself the freedom to act from a place of choice, not reactivity. And from that place, so much more becomes possible—not just in business, but in every aspect of life.