Why Organizations Need to Prioritize a True Reset
The Pressures We're Facing:
Post-COVID effects
Political tensions
Global conflicts
Social injustices
DEI efforts falling short
All-time high burnout
We see it daily wherever we go: people are stressed, tired, and sick and tired of being sick and tired. We expect people to ally and advocate for others when they’ve barely got time to do it for themselves. We’re expecting marginalized employees with identity-related traumas to "show up as their full selves" and "feel safe."
The reason why your efforts are falling short is because there is no foundation of wellness to support them.
What Is Nervous System Dysregulation?
Nervous system dysregulation occurs when our body's stress response system is out of balance. This means the body is stuck in a state of heightened alertness or chronic stress, making it difficult to relax and recover. Common symptoms include anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical health issues like headaches and muscle tension.
Why It Matters in the Workplace
When leaders and managers are overly stressed, their nervous system dysregulation can become contagious, passing those feelings to their teams. This creates a cycle of stress that affects everyone in the organization. Without addressing this core issue, even the best DEI initiatives and programs will fall short because the people driving them are not well.
The Solution: Nervous System Regulation
Nervous system regulation involves practices that help reset and balance our stress response. Techniques such as mindfulness, somatic exercises, and breathing exercises can be incorporated into daily routines. These practices can provide both immediate stress relief and long-term reprogramming of our stress response.
The Benefits:
Healing and Immediate Stress Reduction: Practices that promote nervous system regulation can offer both healing and instant stress relief. This is crucial in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.
Efficiency: These solutions can be effective in less than 5 minutes daily, making them easy to integrate into busy schedules.
Holistic Impact: They address both the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, leading to a more comprehensive approach to well-being.
Why Organizations Should Invest
We have the data to show that nervous system regulation changes lives on an individual basis. If everyone in the organization is engaged in these practices, it can transform the overall environment. Investing in nervous system regulation is not just about individual wellness—it's about creating a resilient, connected, and high-performing team.
Call to Action
It's time to shift our focus from just implementing initiatives to building a foundation of wellness that truly supports these efforts. Prioritizing nervous system regulation is essential in creating environments where employees feel safe, supported, and able to perform at their best.
While we've seen significant results with approaches like mindfulness and heart-centered breathing, the future of work demands an integration of consistent, body-based practices. These practices are accessible and sustainable, making them easy to incorporate into daily work routines. By embracing body-based approaches, we can ensure that wellness is not just an initiative but a core component of how we work and thrive together.