Hi there MC360 Community!
If you’ve spent time in support groups, you’ve probably noticed something — nervous system work has been everywhere the past few years.
And everyone seems to have a different technique they swear by. Vagal toning. Somatic breathwork. A specific meditation app. All backed by someone’s very real, legitimate, and hard-won results.
Or maybe you’ve tried nervous system work before, and it didn’t move the needle. Or maybe you even think nervous system work is “woo-woo.”
Here’s what we’ve learned, both personally and after working with hundreds of clients…
Nervous system work is an important part of healing, and there are specific areas that typically need attention (more on that in tomorrow’s Practitioner Tips email). But the right tool is simply one you’ll actually keep doing.
Finding what works for you is often the difference between nervous system work that helps and nervous system work that becomes one more overwhelming thing to do... or not do.
After all, the people who make the most progress aren’t always doing the most complicated things. They’re doing simple things that work for them.
In this email, you’ll discover:
Why consistency matters more than finding the “perfect” technique
The 1 thing we see get in the way of nervous system progress more than anything else
A gentler way to think about building a routine that’s easier to stick with
3 questions worth sitting with if your nervous system tools keep falling by the wayside
This post is for informational purposes only. To read our full disclaimer, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
We know how discouraging it can feel to “fall off” a routine you were sure would help.
You’ve probably downloaded an app, tried a breathing technique someone swore by, or started practicing with real hope. Only to find it was hard to stick to. And then it felt like that was a failure on your part.
Creating new habits isn’t usually a willpower problem.
It might just be that the technique is not the right fit for you. Or you are putting big expectations on yourself instead of starting with small goals.
Your nervous system needs regular, repeated signals of safety before it can start shifting out of fight-or-flight or begin climbing out of a freeze state. That shift comes from repetition rather than intensity
Small, consistent signals beat inconsistent big ones every time.
Honestly? While many people eventually do a good chunk of nervous system work daily, the clients who stick with it aren’t usually starting big.
They’re doing less. Starting with one thing small enough to actually do most days.
And there’s some real science behind why. A well-known study found it takes an average of 66 days for a new habit to feel automatic. Not the “21 days” you’ve probably heard. And missing a day here and there didn’t derail people. What mattered was showing up more often than not, not showing up perfectly.
As simple as it sounds, starting small works because it’s easy to actually keep doing.
Research shows that the less effort something takes, the more likely it is to stick. Friction is one of the biggest predictors of success when it comes to change. And there’s a second reason. Small, early wins build belief that you can keep doing something and repetition strengthens those pathways in your brain.
**A tiny thing you repeat becomes a change. **
Small enough it feels doable. Slower than feels necessary. More consistent, not perfectly.
If your nervous system routine keeps stalling out, ask yourself:
Am I choosing tools based on what works for me, or what worked for someone else?
Would a smaller, simpler version of this actually get done?
Am I treating a missed day as just that, or as a reason to feel bad or give up?
These aren’t meant to create pressure. Just an honest check-in, so you know what’s actually working for you and what isn’t.
Speaking of starting small, we put together something that does exactly that.** **
Join us for a FREE live training on the connection between your nervous system and your mast cells, and how to start with small steps.
In ** Your Nervous System & Mast Cells: The Basics of Connection & Healing with MCAS **our MC360 Health Coaches will walk through how your nervous system and mast cells are connected, things many people miss, and simple ways for sensitive folks to start out with healing.
It’s free, it’s live, and everyone who joins and comments will be entered to win 1 of 3 Autumn MCAS Reset Bundles ($524 value each). Completely free.
We’ll see you soon!
Together in healing, The Mast Cell 360 Team
**PS. ** Comment below and tell us ⬇
What's one nervous system tool you've tried that just didn't stick? We read every reply, and it helps us know what to focus on as we get ready to share what's coming.
We’re grateful for this community, whether you’re free or paid.
Questions? Email support@mastcell360.com
It’s important you know that Mast Cell 360 resources are for informational and educational purposes. Mast Cell 360 does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prescribe for any disease or medical condition. Recommendations are based on the opinion of Mast Cell 360 and are not meant to replace the care of a medical practitioner. Always consult your physician before changing your healthcare regimen. Supplements/products mentioned are not designed to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. And these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may make a very small commission if you purchase through the link. It never costs you any more to purchase through the links, and we try to find the best deals we can. We only recommend products that we love and use personally or use in our practice. Any commissions help support the newsletter, website, and ongoing research so we can continue to offer you free tips, recipes, and info. Thank you for your support!
