Remember: Your nervous system is not a machine. Welcome back to Integrated Being, where we explore the intersection of leadership, life, and living well—mind, body, and spirit. This month, I want to gently, but honestly, remind you: your nervous system is not a machine. We often talk about leadership from a cerebral space—strategy, performance, decisions. But leadership is also felt. It’s in how we show up when the room is tense, speak when we’re exhausted, and breathe when everything feels too much. If you’ve ever found yourself checking the boxes, constantly producing, and dismissing the signals of your own body just to keep going—this one’s for you. What we often label as “high functioning” is, in many cases, just “over-functioning.” And it’s costing us—physically, emotionally, and energetically.
In today’s podcast episode of Integrated Being, I share practical tools for self-regulation and highlight the significance of community & connection in fostering overall well-being. Plus, I share my best book recommendations for those who want to dive deeper into this space.
Your Nervous System Is Rhythmic, Not Robotic: A Reminder for Leaders Who Feel Everything
What Is Nervous System Regulation?
Our nervous system is not a machine; it requires care.
Understanding the nervous system is crucial for emotional regulation. Your nervous system has two gears: sympathetic (your gas pedal—alert, reactive, anxious) and parasympathetic (your brake—restful, grounded, calm). Both are necessary. The problem arises when we get stuck in survival mode—flight, fight, or freeze—and never tap the brakes. We disconnect from ourselves. We power through, instead of tuning in.
High functioning can often be a disguise for over-functioning.
I know this because I’ve lived it. The work gets done, the kids are fed, meetings are led—and yet I’ve found myself feeling overwhelmed and wanting to disconnect. That’s not high-functioning. That’s a body calling out for regulation.
An Airport Breakdown and a Lesson in Self-Compassion
Recently, a seemingly minor moment—getting dismissed at TSA PreCheck—triggered a wave of emotion. I found myself crying at the Delta desk, jaw tight, chest heavy, embarrassed but unable to stop. It wasn’t about the security line. It was about the buildup. The little daily frictions we ignore until they erupt.
And in that moment, I remembered: regulation begins in the body.
I stepped outside, breathed in the misty rain, placed a hand on my heart, and said, “You’re okay.” Not to fix everything, but to remember: when I lead from a regulated place, I communicate more clearly, more compassionately, and more effectively.
Leadership Is an Inside Job
Being present is key to effective leadership and parenting.
Personal leadership starts in the body, with self-awareness and regulation. From there, it radiates into parenting, relationships, and professional life. When we are regulated, we listen better, hold space for others, and lead from clarity instead of chaos.
Regulated leaders create a positive impact on their teams and families.
Regulation isn’t about being calm or joyful all the time. It’s about knowing yourself and returning to your center—again and again.
3 Tools to Co-Regulate While Leading
Emotional responses can be triggered by feeling unseen or unheard. Use these 3 practical tools below to regulate yourself amidst a thought spiral and come into alignment with yourself while processing your emotional responses in real time.
Breath Anchoring
Inhale for four. Hold for four. Exhale for six. Repeat. This simple breath sequence can reset your entire system before a meeting, a tense conversation, or when you feel emotionally hijacked.Name It to Tame It
Say it aloud or silently: “I feel overwhelmed.” “My chest is tight.” Naming your experience helps your brain downshift and your body follow.Check-In Moments
Morning, midday, evening—pause and ask: Where am I? What do I need? Your body knows, but you have to ask. These daily check-ins are small hinges that swing big doors.
A Few Favorite Reads
If you’re ready to go deeper, I recommend:
Living Untethered by Michael A. Singer – a powerful reflection on staying present and detached from chaos.
First, We Make the Beast Beautiful by Sarah Wilson – a beautifully raw journey through anxiety and self-awareness.
One Final Prompt
If something stirred in you today, pause. Take a breath. Ask: What’s one way I can care for my nervous system right now?
And if someone in your life is leading, loving, or living from an overstretched place—share this with them. We all need reminders.
Thank you for being part of this community. For showing up. For staying curious, centered, and connected to your integrated being
Want More?
Browse podcast episodes to explore more insights, subscribe to my monthly newsletter, or check out my book and coaching program. Together, we can create a life that feels balanced, joyful, and authentically yours.
Thank you for listening in and reading along… I would love to hear your thoughts… Join the conversation & send me an email at elizabeth@integratedbeingllc.com. I look forward to connecting with you & going on this journey of life together.
xo, Lizzie
