Stuck in Survival Mode? How to Regulate Your Nervous System and Recover From Burnout with Dr. Lauren DeCicco

Send us Fan MailAre you constantly overwhelmed, always “on,” or struggling to fully relax?In this episode of Musings of a Geriatric Mama, Kedna Amey sits down with holistic Doctor of Physical Therapy and nervous system expert Dr. Lauren DeCicco to talk about nervous system regulation, burnout, chronic stress, survival mode, and motherhood.Dr. Lauren shares how fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses can show up in everyday life, especially for high-achieving women who are used to pushing through stress. Together, they explore people pleasing, perfectionism, hustle culture, emotional overwhelm, and why slowing down can actually create more clarity, creativity, and resilience.You’ll also learn simple ways to support nervous system regulation through grounding, intentional recovery, longer exhales, humming, and creating small moments of safety throughout your day.If you’ve been feeling burned out, overstimulated, or stuck in survival mode, this conversation is for you.  Key  topics Nervous system regulation and its impact on health Trauma and childhood beliefs shaping adult relationships Practical techniques for self-regulation and grounding The role of chronic stress in autoimmune and physical health issues Strategies for busy moms to incorporate quick self-care practices The importance of community and team support in healing Rewiring responses to triggers for better emotional regulation The connection between mental health and physical symptoms Takeaways Practicing quick grounding techniques like vagus nerve stimulation can reset your nervous system. Leaving toxic environments is a crucial step in healing and health recovery. Understanding your nervous system states helps in managing triggers and stress responses. Slowing down and regulating your nervous system increases productivity and creativity. Motherhood and trauma are interconnected; healing one benefits the other. Building a team of health professionals supports multidimensional healing. Self-awareness about your body's signals can prevent burnout. Creating safety around triggers rewires your brain's response. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nervous System and Motherhood 01:27 Dr. Lauren's Journey Through Trauma and Healing 02:33 Societal Norms and Motherhood Expectations 07:29 Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships 11:43 COVID and the Slowdown in Healing 2766:39:43 Motherhood as a Messy but Beautiful Journey 3174:59:43 What Does Living in Survival Mode Mean? 3466:39:43 Balancing the Nervous System for Optimal Health 4244:26:23 Cellular Impact of Chronic Stress 4999:59:43 The Paradox of Slowing Down to Get More Done 5844:26:25 Healing from Toxic Work Environments 6402:46:25 Vagus Nerve and Self-Regulation Techniques 7602:46:29 Managing Triggers and Overwhelm 9055:33:09 Practical Self-Regulation Strategies for Busy Moms 10019:26:29 Building Resilience and Creativity in Business 113583:19:58 Words to Your Younger Self 120472:13:20 You Already Have What You Need to Heal Connect with Dr. Lauren: Instagram: @dr.laurendeciccodpt Website: drlaurendecicco.comSubscribe, rate, and share Musings of a Geriatric Mama with another ambitious woman or mother who needs this conversation.Let's stay connected!  https://linktr.ee/K.AmeyInspires?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=0eb50dac-1e79-445d-9c1e-8a5dd2e34847