How High-Performers Can Protect Their Nervous System This Season
This
season
can
be
meaningful,
but
for
leaders
it
is
often
louder,
faster,
and
more
emotionally
complex.
End-of-year
deadlines,
heightened
expectations,
travel,
and
family
dynamics
can
quietly
overload
your
nervous
system
while
you’re
still
expected
to
make
clear
decisions
and
show
up
steady
for
others.
If
you’re
feeling
tense,
depleted,
or
mentally
foggy,
you’re
not
falling
short,
your
brain
is
responding
exactly
as
it
does
under
sustained
pressure
and
stimulation.
Below are six brain-friendly strategies leaders can use to regulate their nervous system during high-demand seasons:
1.
Slow
Your
Exhale
Extending
your
exhale
by
just
a
few
seconds
signals
safety
to
the
brain,
helping
shift
you
out
of
stress
mode
and
back
into
clarity.
2.
Build
in
Transition
Pauses
Brief
pauses
of
30–60
seconds
between
meetings
or
commitments
allow
your
brain
to
reset,
improving
focus
and
decision-making.
3.
Limit
Constant
Stimulation
Reducing
background
noise,
notifications,
and
multitasking
creates
the
mental
quiet
your
nervous
system
needs
to
recover.
4.
Anchor
Your
Body
Simple
physical
cues,
feet
grounded,
jaw
relaxed,
shoulders
dropped,
can
quickly
interrupt
stress
responses
and
restore
presence.
5.
Protect
Your
Energy
with
Boundaries
Saying
no
strategically,
delegating,
or
leaving
events
earlier
than
planned
prevents
nervous
system
overload
and
preserves
leadership
capacity.
6.
Support
Regulation
Through
Routine
Consistent
sleep,
meals,
hydration,
and
predictable
anchors
provide
stability
for
your
nervous
system
during
otherwise
unpredictable
weeks.
Seasonal
pressure
doesn’t
require
you
to
push
harder
to
be
effective.
Small,
intentional
adjustments
help
your
nervous
system
stay
regulated
so
you
can
lead
with
clarity,
composure,
and
resilience.
With
the
right
support,
this
season
can
remain
productive
and
meaningful;
without
costing
you
your
well-being
or
performance.
-Julie "Brain Lady" Anderson