Self quest:How do you keep your nervous system calm & strong?

Today I am writing to you from a balcony in Austria while a powerful storm is moving in.

I grew up in a small Bavarian town on the Austrian border, so being here with my kids—eating the food I grew up with, hearing that Bavarian/Austrian dialect all around me—feels very sweet and, to be honest, a little nostalgic.

What I'm also noticing, being surrounded by these stunning Austrian mountain ranges, the endless greenery, and the cows grazing peacefully in the open, is just how deeply nature steadies my nervous system.

It's almost like I'm being reminded of how vast, wild, and wise the natural world is—and in its presence, I feel small and insignificant (in the best way). 

In nature, I am able to surrender.

My usual worries can kind of loosen their grip, and something inside me softens, releases, and is left feeling calm.

Here is what I believe after over a decade as a life & health coach:

Your nervous system is the basis of everything! 

When you soothe your nervous system regularly, you're not just calming your mind—you're also creating the conditions for your health, especially your hormones, to function the way they are designed to.

Chronic stress keeps us stuck in fight-or-flight mode, which can throw off everything from cortisol and insulin to estrogen and progesterone. Over time, that kind of dysregulation can impact sleep, mood, metabolism, fertility, and, of course, our relationships and ambitions in life.

So the question I want to offer you today (because most of us agree that things across the world are feeling uneasy these days) is this:

What places, people, or practices help you exhale and come home to yourself?

Here are a few simple, powerful ways to calm your nervous system:

Spend time in nature. Even a short walk in a nearby park or sitting under a tree can help your body remember a slower, steadier rhythm.

Reduce stimulation. Step away from your phone, dim the lights, or turn down the noise. Your nervous system loves a little quiet.

Breathe with intention. Try a few deep belly breaths—slowly in through the nose, slowly out through the mouth. It signals safety to your body.

Place a hand on your heart. A moment of connection with yourself can be incredibly soothing, especially when paired with a few kind words like “I'm here” or “It's okay.”

Use warm water. Baths, showers, or even just warm water over your hands can be calming to both the body and mind.

Find & practice whatever works for you

With love from the Alps :)

xo

Caroline