Allostatic load, rest and healing

If you are on a healing journey you may go through phases where you feel extremely and unusually tired. Needing lots of rest and sleep.

When the body is in a fight/flight/freeze/shutdown state for so long there is stored tension within the muscles, fascia and organs. This chronic state of stress has also a major effect on your immune, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

We call this overload of accumulated chronic stress: Allostasic load.

A body that has been through trauma and/or chronic stress is a body that is “confused”, and it is always searching for and expecting threat.

This inability to get back to homeostasis and the inability to stay stable (Allostasis) amidst life changes and stressors is extremely taxing for your body.

When we start to do the somatic work, gently allowing the discharge of fight/flight/freeze/shutdown, the body starts to reorganise and with this reorganisation you will need periods of slowing down and rest.

As well as doing the somatic healing work, to regulate your nervous system, you can support you body in the healing process by:

🌿Using your resources daily, even when you don’t feel stressed (see my “Resources” highlights to learn more about this).

🌿Prioritising rest and sleep.

🌿Doing low or moderate intensity physical exercise.

🌿Eating natural, real foods.

🌿Spending time in nature, daily, if possible.

🌿Connecting with people you find safe.

It takes time and patience to restore your body’s level of Homeostasis and reduce Allostatic load, but in the process you will rediscover yourself and what truly matters to you.