Ellen J. May

Sometimes regulation doesn’t start with “thinking differently.
”Sometimes it starts with gently moving your body.

When stress builds up, our nervous systems often hold it physically — tight shoulders, shallow breathing, jaw tension, restlessness, that wired-but-tired feeling, exhaustion, or that “I can’t settle” feeling.

Can you relate to any of those? I know I can. While I have improved so much over the years with practice, I still notice there are days my mind says I’m tired, but my body still feels like it’s bracing for something.

Gentle movement can help send a different message to the body:
You are safe enough to soften.

This week I’m sharing a few body-based regulation tools that are simple, practical, and nervous-system friendly — especially for those moments when life feels overwhelming or emotionally heavy.

You don’t have to do all of them.
and you certainly don't have to do them perfectly.

Small movements can create meaningful shifts.

Which one do you think your body needs most right now?

I invite you to share in the comments what one helped you the most.

Nervous system regulation isn't a one-size-fits all

Some days you need movement. Another day you may need some support.

I created this infographic just for you because sometimes, when you're overwhelmed, you don't want to think about what might help.

Pick which one seems right for you and if that one doesn't work try another one. Sometimes I have had to use several just to get back to calm.

The right one is the one that works for you.

If you are interested in the conversation about Polyvagal Theory here are the links to the articles in question.

Critique Article: http://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260110

Response Article: http://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111

What are your thoughts?

When a Critique Becomes Untenable: A Scholarly Response to Grossman et al.’s Evaluation of Polyvagal Theory | Clinical Neuropsychiatry by Stephen W. Porges A recent critique advanced by Grossman et al. (2026, this issue) argues that Polyvagal Theory is scientifically untenable, asserting that its core claims regarding autonomic organization, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and evolutionary framing are inconsistent with establis...

Women, if you are cold plunging this is a great article. Personally, I don't like being cold so this has never been my thing. If you cold plunge let me know what you think of this article.
https://www.drstacysims.com/newsletters/articles/posts/cold-plunging-for-women?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb-111225&fbclid=IwY2xjawODCPZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIQVRaNlFHZlFEZlgxQmxjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqkxWHlLQhIZShEuMzX5cGo-T3txDIJBq2m-JvmA_0kfr4wMJB300L_kxL_G_aem_FjiHYrwnkRW45CeHvqG0_A

Cold Plunging for Women: Why Colder Isn’t Always Better Discover how cold exposure affects women differently. Dr. Stacy Sims explains the ideal temperature range for health, recovery, and hormonal balance.

https://www.directsellingnews.com/2025/10/27/lifewave-invites-visitors-to-welcome-center-with-humorous-william-shatner-appearance/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNuHX9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHukcdoYJ_e-DE2cyFCwsitKo-nOumGo2hYBWwj7vRQLcoyVjD51CVB-PJcGp_aem_T7VjpzpxpJeg9v_-5WdxAw

LifeWave Invites Visitors to Welcome Center with Humorous William Shatner Appearance At its 2025 conference, LifeWave celebrated its community and shared purpose and vision for the future. As part of that communal experience, LifeWave debuted a new asset video featuring William Shatner as “The World’s Oldest Intern.” In it, Shatner tours the LifeWave Welcome Center as a LifeWa...