My Path and Findings for Nervous System Regulation and Your Leadership Journey

One thing that I think we don't talk about enough in the Corporate context is Nervous System Regulation and the benefits both for ourselves and our teams. Some may think it is a personal wellness or therapy topic, but the most level-headed, creative and inspiring leaders that I have worked with make a conscious effort through regular practices to regulate their nervous system. It not only helps leaders personally, but also results in a sense of balance and confidence within our teams. It is that calm in the storm. With all of the political, economic, family and work stress and demands coming our way lately, I think we can all use a little help in this area as well.

Personal Journey of Nervous System Regulation

I have my own personal journey to a calm and balanced nervous system. I have witnessed the benefits, not just for me, but also for many of my clients and community. When I consciously took a break from the corporate world, I knew I had spent many years working on auto-pilot. My nervous system was shot and my cortisol levels were through the roof. I knew I needed a reset but I didn't have the faintest idea how to approach it so I tried everything. From yoga to saunas, from breathwork to meditation, from spending time in nature to somatic and energy work. I eventually got to a place where I knew what worked for me. Now back in the Corporate world myself and supporting Leaders in their own personal and career journeys, I want to ensure that I maintain and share those practices that have brought me to my own sense of calm, balance and creativity.

Common Nervous System Regulation Practices in the Corporate Environment

Given everyone is different a few common practices that you can easily incorporate into your work-life every day for you below:

• Breathwork - This is the most common and easiest to use throughout the workday. A simple minute of box breath (4 counts of inhale, hold, exhale, hold), or hissing breath (inhale through the nose, longer exhale through the mouth with an audible "hiss" or sigh).

• Meditation and Mindfulness - Throw on some music, close your eyes and let the thoughts run through your mind until you find the moment of calm. Grab a journal and empty all of those thoughts on a page. Although one of my favorite, easy mindfulness practice is getting out in nature and having a meditative walk; focus on all the senses and let your mind wander.

• Movement Breaks and Stretching - Put a reminder on your calendar a couple of times a day and tackle a couple of stretches for 5 minutes each time. If you really need a shift stand up and shake or dance it out. (queue Grey's Anatomy - Dog Days are Over) Or schedule a walking coffee break to get outside and feel the sun.

The practices mentioned above are relatively easy to incorporate as part of your workday. Sometimes it just takes a reminder until they become a habit. It's 21 days right??

Largest Impact for Me - Sound Therapy

What was the game changing habit for me? - Sound Therapy and specifically Sound Baths, using either crystal or Tibetan singing bowls. It was a method that brought in most of the nervous system regulation practices into one space and time. Using all 5 senses, I found a space to become intentional, settle into a sense of relaxation letting the magic of the sound bowls do their work on my mind and my body. After 30 to 90 minutes that felt more like 10, I would come out relaxed, refreshed and my creativity sparked. I enjoyed every session and received so many personal benefits that I started my own practice of providing the Sound Bath experience, first for just friends and now also as Corporate Team events. Over the last year, I have personally witnessed the benefits of experiencing a Sound Bath either once or as part of a regular practice.

Science and Studies Behind Sound Baths

Don't just take my word for it, the science speaks to the benefits of Sound Baths as well:

• Binaural beats you experience in sound therapy increase motor and cognitive processing speeds when used regularly

• Brainwave entrainment - external sound frequencies help sync your brain to calmer states

• Resonance - specific frequencies, encourage your body's cells to vibrate at their optimal frequencies - often stimulating the vagus nerve which regulates stress, digestion and emotional balance

• Additional studies have linked participation in Sound Baths to lower anxiety, decreases in heart rate variability, and lower cortisol levels

Corporate and Community Team Building Benefits through Sound Baths

One thing the studies can't show is the bonding and sense of community that can come from sharing such a personal and reflective experience together. I have had Corporate Teams come into the space extremely skeptical and on edge, then leave with a sense of relaxation and a team shared experience that allows for deeper connection and communication. Conversations and trust goes deeper. Rather than a typical "happy hour" event filled with idle talk and cocktails, they have done something collectively that was a new and opening experience but also contributed to their own health and wellness.

Where Can I Give this a Try?

I will admit, I was apprehensive sharing this little part of me and what I do. But if I can help anyone on their path to becoming a healthier and more balanced version of themselves, hold a space for those that are curious and what to know more, and build a community of support for others, it will be worth every potential risk. If you want to give the Sound Bath experience a try, I encourage you to reach out to your local Yoga establishments to see if they provide classes. If you are in the Houston, Texas area, feel free to reach out to me directly for more information or to become part of our community. You can reach me at shannon@leadforflow.com.

Wishing you well on your path to success,

Shannon