7 habits for successful nervous system regulation

Summary

In this video, Irene Lyon discusses seven key traits and behaviors that help individuals succeed in healing trauma and nervous system health. These include starting immediately, not identifying as a victim, believing in your right to heal, creating safety, focusing on holistic health, integrating learning into daily life, and not being derailed by setbacks. Irene emphasizes that healing requires persistence, resilience, and a proactive approach, and that those who embrace these practices tend to experience significant progress in their journey of healing and self-regulation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start immediately: Don’t delay taking action on healing and trauma work. Begin as soon as you discover the need for it.
• 😌 Don’t identify as a victim: Acknowledge past trauma but avoid remaining in a victim mindset to move forward.
• 🤲 Believe you deserve to heal: Overcome toxic shame and develop the belief that you are worthy of healing and goodness.
• 🛡️ Create safety: Even in challenging environments, find small ways to create safe spaces to begin the healing process.
• 🌿 Focus on holistic health: Incorporate all aspects of health, not just nervous system healing, including physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
• 💡 Integrate learning quickly: Apply healing practices like orienting into daily life as soon as possible for better progress.
• 🗣️ Prompt yourself for consistency: Use reminders, prompts, or tools to integrate and practice healing techniques regularly.
• 🧘‍♀️ Overcome setbacks: Don’t let small mistakes or failures derail your healing journey—see them as learning opportunities.
• 💪 Acknowledge imperfections: Understand that progress isn’t always perfect, but persistence leads to success in healing.
• 🌍 Use all available resources: Leverage various tools and techniques—from programs to free materials—to aid in healing.

Q & A

What is the first step Irene Lyon emphasizes for healing trauma and nervous system health?

The first step is to start immediately. Lyon emphasizes that delaying the process for a 'better time' is often a barrier and encourages beginning the work as soon as it resonates with you.

Why does Irene Lyon discourage identifying as a victim during the healing process?

Lyon believes that identifying as a victim can prevent progress. While it's important to acknowledge past trauma, dwelling on victimhood can hold people back from moving forward in their healing journey.

How does Irene Lyon describe the importance of believing that you deserve to heal?

Lyon stresses that believing you deserve to heal is essential for overcoming toxic shame. People who grow up in abusive environments often internalize negative beliefs about themselves, and healing requires undoing that belief and understanding you deserve wellness.

What does Irene Lyon suggest for individuals in toxic environments who want to heal?

She advises creating safety to the best of one’s ability. For example, people can find small, safe moments to do healing work, even if they cannot control their entire environment. It’s about making progress in small, manageable ways.

Why is it important to focus on all aspects of health, not just nervous system work?

Lyon explains that the nervous system is foundational, but overall health requires addressing other aspects like nutrition, fitness, creativity, and social connections. A holistic approach is key to sustaining long-term well-being.

What does Irene Lyon mean by 'applying and integrating the work immediately'?

She encourages integrating learned practices, like orienting, into daily life as soon as possible. Some people may need reminders or prompts to do this, but it helps reinforce the work and makes it more effective.

How should setbacks be handled during the healing process, according to Irene Lyon?

Lyon believes setbacks are natural and should not discourage further progress. Instead of letting mistakes derail the healing process, it’s important to accept them and use them as learning opportunities.

What are some ways Irene Lyon suggests for creating safety in challenging environments?

She suggests finding small, private moments, like being in the bathroom or in a car, to do the healing work. It’s about finding safe pockets of time in unsafe environments where you can focus on the work without further harm.

What role does toxic shame play in hindering the healing process?

Toxic shame, often instilled through verbal and emotional abuse, can make individuals believe they don’t deserve to heal. Overcoming this belief is crucial for making progress in the healing process.

What is the key message Irene Lyon wants to leave with her audience regarding success in healing?

Her key message is that success in healing comes from consistency, self-compassion, and not letting setbacks hold you back. She emphasizes starting immediately, applying the work daily, and focusing on all aspects of health for long-term success.