Mental Health

Polyvagal Theory for Beginners: Understanding Your Body’s Stress Response

Did you know your body has a special system for stress? It can make you feel safe or ready to fight. This is thanks to the Polyvagal Theory  by Dr. Stephen Porges. It shows how important the autonomic nervous system is for your health and actions. Learning about this theory can really help. It’s great for dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD. At Be Your Best Self and Thrive Counseling in St. Petersburg, FL, we offer holistic mental health therapy that incorporates polyvagal…

Mental Health

How to Calm an Overactive Nervous System

Did you know that too much stress can upset your autonomic nervous system (ANS)? This affects how you feel overall. The ANS helps your body handle stress. It has two parts: the Sympathetic Nervous System, which makes you ready to fight or run, and the Parasympathetic Nervous System, which helps you relax and digest. When your ANS is off balance, you might feel anxious, have trouble sleeping, or have stomach problems. It’s important to find a balance between these two parts. At Be Your Best…