10 Tiny Habits To Heal a Hyper Sensitive Nervous System

Summary

Maggie Sterling presents ten small habits intended to help calm a hypersensitive nervous system and reduce the sense of being constantly on alert:

1. Stop overexplaining yourself. Give honest yes-or-no answers without trying to manage everyone else’s reactions or seeking reassurance that they approve.
2. Respond to your body’s basic cues. Address needs like sleep and hydration rather than routinely ignoring them. The speaker says this can help rebuild trust in your body.
3. Pause before reacting. Create space before replying, making a decision, or trying to fix an uncomfortable symptom or emotion. Pausing can help you choose a response rather than react in the moment.
4. Slow down everyday activities. Try moving more slowly through chores, walking, eating, or your morning routine. Start with one manageable part of the day.
5. Reduce screen time and overstimulation. Consider keeping your phone away, especially upon waking and before bed, when the speaker says you may be more affected by incoming information.
6. Do one thing at a time. Where possible, avoid stacking activities—for example, eating while scrolling or brushing your teeth while listening to something. Practice being with quieter moments without constant input.
7. Allow discomfort without immediately fixing it. Notice anxiety or sadness, name what you feel, and approach it with curiosity rather than treating the feeling itself as a threat.
8. Let others feel disappointed. Setting boundaries may not please everyone, but the speaker emphasizes that you are not responsible for managing everyone else’s emotions.
9. Balance effort with rest. Gradually expand what you can do, including approaching things you’ve been avoiding, while also allowing recovery without requiring yourself to “earn” rest.
10. Notice what feels good. Pay attention to small pleasant experiences—such as sunshine, a favorite drink, or a walk—and take a few seconds to feel them rather than focusing only on problems.

Presenter/source: Maggie Sterling.