Season of Growth: Spring’s Lessons for Nervous System Healing
The Nervous System’s Spring Awakening
Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and transition—and just like nature, our nervous system also experiences shifts as we move out of winter.
During winter, our bodies often mirror the freeze response—a state of conservation, retreat, and stillness. As the world begins to thaw, so do we. But just like spring weather, this transition isn't always linear. Some days feel warm, bright, and full of energy, while others bring a sudden chill, pulling us back into old patterns.
This ebb and flow of change is completely normal. Moving between moments of calm and activation is part of nervous system healing. If you've ever wondered, Am I really making progress? or Why do I feel like I'm taking steps backward?—you're not alone. Your body is simply adjusting to new ways of being.
Spring invites us to reflect:
What patterns from winter still serve us?
What can we release to make space for growth?
How can we support our nervous system through this transition?
Let’s explore how we can gently shift out of winter mode and into a season of growth—without overwhelming our system.
Releasing What No Longer Serves You: Breaking Old Patterns
Just as trees shed old leaves to make room for new buds, we, too, can release habits, thought patterns, and nervous system responses that no longer support us.
Signs your body may still be in "winter mode" (or stuck in freeze):
✅ Feeling tight or braced, as if you're holding tension in your body
✅ Exhaustion or heaviness, even with more sunlight and warmth
✅ Resistance to change, struggling to shift out of old stress cycles
A Simple Body Scan + Gentle Movement Practice
Try this quick practice to help your body transition out of freeze and into flow:
Start with your feet – Notice their connection to the ground or surface beneath you.
Move up your legs – Pay attention to any sensations or impulses.
Check in with your pelvis – Does it feel relaxed or braced?
Notice your stomach and torso – With compassion, observe how they feel supported.
Connect with your upper back, shoulders, and arms – See if there's a place that can release just 1% of tension.
Soften your face and jaw – Allow them to relax.
Shift your weight gently – Rock from side to side or slowly rotate your torso.
Take a deep breath.
💡 How does your body feel now? Even small shifts can signal to your nervous system that it's safe to move forward.
Planting Seeds: Starting Small Without Overwhelm
Spring reminds us that growth begins with small steps—one sprout at a time.
Instead of overwhelming yourself with big changes, focus on tiny, sustainable shifts that support your nervous system:
Micro-Habits for Nervous System Healing
🌞 Morning Sunlight + Deep Breath – Step outside for a few seconds and take one intentional breath.
🎵 Mini-Movement Break – Every hour, shake it out, stretch, or dance to your favorite song.
🌿 2-Minute Grounding Before Bed – Try a short meditation, breathwork, or even reading a few pages of a book.
Small moments of regulation add up—just like tiny buds eventually bloom into full spring blossoms.
Embracing Unpredictability: New Growth Isn’t Linear
Spring weather is unpredictable—one day is warm and sunny, the next brings unexpected cold. Growth works the same way.
Healing isn’t a straight path; it’s two steps forward, one step back. The ups and downs in your energy, mood, and nervous system regulation are completely normal. The key is learning to ride these waves with more ease.
A Gentle Practice for Embracing Unpredictability
🖐 Self-Soothing Touch – Place your hands over your heart, stomach, or eyes.
💨 Take a Full Breath – Imagine your hands as compassionate observers, offering support—not fixing or changing anything.
🌊 Notice the Moment – Let yourself be with whatever is present, knowing that just like spring, change is unfolding.
Welcoming Your Own Spring
Growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about tending to yourself with care and consistency.
Instead of forcing transformation, what if you focused on gentle, steady support for your nervous system?
💡 Want a simple, nervous-system-friendly way to reset when you're overwhelmed?
📩 Download my FREE 1-Minute Reset—a quick, effective tool to help you ground and recharge through change and unpredictability.
