Happy Place
Have you ever woken up feeling... bleh? You don’t want to get up. You don’t want to face the day. And you certainly don’t want to be bothered with all the “things” you’re “meant” to be doing.
We all know those days. The weather’s icky, the to-do list is never-ending, people need things, and you push yourself to “just get on with it.”
But where are you in all of that?
This used to be my everyday life. I said yes to everyone and everything. I pushed through. I kept moving.
The problem? My nervous system couldn’t cope.
The crushing fatigue I experienced—day after day—was my body’s way of screaming: Enough.
For years, I’d been in a boom-or-bust cycle. I’d throw myself into work with passion and intensity, only to crash harder each time. I didn’t realise that this pattern, this relentless pace, was slowly wearing me down.
Our nervous systems aren’t designed for this constant overload. Mine was trying to handle it all: the cortisol, emotions, toxins, overstimulation, and the sheer volume of life.
Science is just beginning to understand the deep layers of our biology—from the microbiome in our gut to the energy we emit. But one thing’s clear: most of us are stuck in chronic stress mode.
Add to that the societal pressure to keep pushing, the inherited beliefs that say we’re not allowed to stop... and for those of us who are both highly sensitive and high sensation-seeking? That’s a whole other ride.
I have both. It’s like having Tigger behind the wheel and Eeyore constantly yanking the handbrake.
It wasn’t until I learned to take the wheel myself—to gently quiet both parts—that things started to change.
I began learning how to reprogram my nervous system. It’s a slow, layered process. But the results? Life-changing.
Whether you're highly sensitive, high sensation-seeking, or simply exhausted and overwhelmed, calming your nervous system is key to reclaiming your energy and health.
And here’s the kicker: if you’ve been taught you must keep going... that you can’t say no or slow down... your nervous system never truly rests.
You might be resilient. You might push through. But eventually, the cost will show up.
Since discovering these traits, I’ve completely overhauled my life. It hasn’t been an instant transformation—it’s ongoing, deep, and messy.
I still have days when I just don’t want to.
But I’ve built tools and practices that help me shift when I’m stuck:
I start the day by listing everything I’m grateful for. Some days, that’s enough.
I do simple yoga postures and breathwork (4-2-8-2 and box breathing are favourites).
I set up my space—clutter scrambles my brain.
I remind myself: I only have to go as fast as my slowest part.
I move my body—gently and joyfully.
And if none of that shifts the fog?
I go to one of my happy places: the kitchen. An old movie playing, a new recipe, and time to potter. That’s my reset. (Nature is the other—the secret is to find yours.)
Here’s the truth
Long-term change starts with nervous system regulation. Until you slow down, you can’t clearly see what’s working—or what isn’t.
When you pause, breathe, and tune in, you can start to choose a different path. A healthier, more vibrant, more you path.
✨ Start small.
✨ Breathe deep.
✨ Say no.
✨ Delegate.
✨ Go to your happy place.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to begin.
If this resonated, you’ll love Grounded, a nourishing 90-minute online experience where we explore practical tools to calm your nervous system, reclaim your energy, and root yourself in what matters.
✨ Early sign-ups open soon—pop your name here to be the first to know.
Psst—if you’re a paid Substack subscriber, you’ll receive FREE access to Grounded and my next 90-minute workshop, Embodiment.