We can maintain a calmer nervous system and avoid crashes by consistently checking in with the body by feeling into the sensations of the body and asking what it needs. When we let the body’s wisdom determine our pacing decisions, we are making decisions not based on our fears of certain activities (that have understandably built up over time if we have previous crash experiences), but based on what gives the body joy. It doesn’t mean pushing in any way, because we are deeply listening to what the body needs. It helps the body feel like it is being listened to and cared for and is much less likely to move into a fight/flight/freeze state

​

• Check in with the body’s needs by feeling into the sensations of the body

• Build up experience of body connection and it will become more automatic

• This is not about checking symptoms (though it is understandable to be concerned about what’s happening in the body)

• These practices are aimed instead at building up a positive relationship and communication with the body

 

When we let the body’s wisdom determine our pacing decisions, we are making decisions not based on our fears of certain activities, but based on what gives the body joy. It helps the body feel like it is being listened to and cared for and it is much less likely to move into a fight/flight/freeze state.

​

In general, the body wants 'balance, fun and diversity' (John Eaton)

​

Something that John Eaton suggests is to make a list each day of activities that your body would love and put it under the title  fun, diversity and balance. There will be a list of shoulds that we often feel obliged to use our energy for- usually things that need to get done. Have the lists side by side and try to pick more ‘love to do’ activities than should do activities by letting the body decide more often than your ego mind what to do next

 

It also helps to have more on the love list side, even if there are lots of should you feel you should do.

​

An example list: