Grounded
REGULATED / SAFE / CONNECTED
Your nervous system is in a Grounded state. In this state, your body and mind feel more balanced and connected. You’re able to focus, respond rather than react, and feel present in your daily life. Stress may still arise, but you can recover more easily and return to center. Having a balanced and grounded nervous system does not mean constantly feeling at peace; it means having flexibility between the different states without staying stuck in one state for too long.
This may show up as:
Feeling calm, steady, and present in your body
Being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment
Clearer thinking and better focus
Enjoying time doing things you love
The ability to rest and relax without guilt or inner criticism
Feeling social and willing to connect with others
Setting your priorities clearly and being able to take action on them
What Your Body Is Asking For
In this state, consistency with a nourishing movement routine is what your body is craving. Daily movement that feels natural, grounded, and mindful will support this state. Continue to do practices that help you gain awareness of your body’s internal sensations, soften and relax any tight muscles, breathe in a mindful way, and bring clarity and focus to your mind. These practices are what help you stay resilient when stress arises, and also build capacity for uncomfortable emotions and challenging situations.
Some ways to do this:
Qigong mobility movements to release stress in the body and joints
Gentle Qigong flows you can do daily
Physical activity that is fun and nurturing, but can also progressively challenge you to help your body and mind build resilience (e.g. weight lifting, calisthenics, running)
Mindful walking
Qigong Mobility Exercise
This Qigong movement is called “Spinal Cord Breathing” and is helpful for:
Releasing tension and stored energy/emotions in the upper back and shoulders
Freeing up tension in the spinal cord to help the brain and the body communicate more efficiently
Promoting a sense of restoration and relaxation
Gentle Qigong Flow
This is a gentle Qigong Flow called “Big Bear Gathers Fish.” It is helpful for:
Grounding and settling your nervous system
Connecting with a sense of security, stability, and inner certainty
Helping the body wind down and get ready for sleep
Creating a moving meditation practice
Ready to create the movement routine your body actually wants?
When your body is stuck in a depleted state, not all movement is helpful. Without understanding your nervous system, it’s easy to choose practices that keep you stuck in exhaustion and burnout instead of bringing you back to balance.
In my online course, Movement as Medicine: Tools to Regulate Your Nervous System & Calm Your Mind, you’ll learn how to recognize your nervous system state and use the right kind of movement to help your body feel safe again — so you can return to clarity, confidence, and grounded presence.