Calm First. Think Second. Why the Nervous System Comes Before Better Thinking

Most people try to improve thinking by thinking harder. That sounds like the effective thing to do when you are trying to learn – right???

More discipline!!
More strategies!!
More motivation!!

The problem with this is that the brain doesn’t learn well when the body feels unsafe. When the nervous system senses threat, attention shrinks, memory drops, and problem-solving weakens. This is not a mindset issue. Rather, it’s simple biology.

The take-away – If you want better Cognition – you need better Regulation

For instance, let’s say you are trying to solve a problem, study something important, or make a decision. You notice that your shoulders tighten, your thoughts start racing, and you can’t focus on what you were just reading.

The information may still be there, but your nervous system has shifted into threat mode, which temporarily reduces access to clear thinking.

If you are mindful of what’s happening with your body, you can take a minute to settle the body. When your body is grounded and your brain has decided you are safe, clarity returns. In other words, calming your system first, allows your mind to be open and operate it’s highest potential.

Here are two quick and easy nervous system resets for you to noodle with. See which one feels the best for you.

Shoulder Drop Reset

• Lift your shoulders up toward your ears
• Hold for three seconds
• Let them drop completely

Repeat three times.

The drop sends a physical signal of release and safety to the nervous system.

The 5-2-1 Orientation Reset

Look around your space and notice:

• 5 things you can see
• 2 things you can hear
• 1 thing you can physically feel (feet on the floor, chair, clothing)

This simple sensory scan tells your nervous system that you are safe in this moment. When the body settles into that sense of safety your brain will regain its access to focus, memory and perspective.

Keep these practices handy and use them whenever you need to have your brain running on all cylinders. You’ll be amazed at the results!