When the symptoms of nervous system overload start creeping in, they don't always announce themselves loudly. Sometimes it's just that weird feeling that something's off; you feel exhausted, emotionally flat, or jumpy, but can't pinpoint why.

That's your body sending you signals that it has a dysregulated nervous system, and it needs some TLC. An overwhelmed nervous system doesn't just affect your mind; it hijacks your energy, focus, and even your mood.

If you have running on fumes, and can't for your life remember the last time you truly relaxed, your body's internal wiring might be begging for a nervous system reset.

Let's explore the signs of a dysregulated nervous system, and what to do about it.

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Your mind won't shut up, your shoulders are tense, and you can't remember what calm even feels like. This constant "on" mode is one of the biggest signs of a dysregulated nervous system.

You are stuck in survival gear - hyper-focused, jumpy, or overthinking everything. Even when nothing's wrong, your brain acts like danger is lurking around the corner. It's your body's way of saying, "I'm tired of running this marathon with no finish line."

Try slowing your breath, unclenching your jaw, and reminding your body it's safe - small steps that actually calm your overwhelmed nervous system over time.

You slept for eight hours last night, however, you woke up feeling even more tired and groggy. Well, when you have a dysregulated nervous system, your body never really exits alert mode, not even when you are sleeping.

You toss and turn the whole night, or wake up repeatedly without any reason. This is because your stress hormones remain active, telling your body to remain "on guard."

A gentle nervous system reset can look like creating a bedtime routine that helps you unwind - think dim lights, slow breathing, no phone-scrolling, and quiet time. Your body can't heal if it doesn't feel safe enough to rest.

You drop your pen, and suddenly you feel like giving up on everything and crying. That's not you being "dramatic" - that's a dysregulated nervous system reacting. When your stress bucket is full, even small frustrations feel like the end of the world.

You may feel impatient, irritable, or find yourself apologizing again and again for your outbursts. This is not willpower, it's biology. Your emotional balance is based on the stability of your nervous system.

So, what is the solution to this? Take some mini-breaks throughout the day - maybe step outside for a few minutes, practice some deep breathing, or do some yoga. These small resets can calm your nervous system, before it decides to scream for attention again.

One of the subtle symptoms of nervous system overload is this. When it's overstimulated for a very long time, sometimes it goes the other way; instead of overreacting, it shuts down. You feel disconnected, emotionally numb, or "not really present."

That's your body's freeze response, one of the signature signs of a dysregulated nervous system. It's your brain's attempt to keep you safe from excessive stress. The problem is, it also shuts out connection and happiness.

Try gentle ways to re-engage your senses - touch something soft, feel your feet on the ground, or breathe in a scent you love. These small cues signal safety and help reset a dysregulated nervous system.

Related: 7 Everyday Things You Can Do to Heal And Support Your Nervous System

Butterflies before a big meeting are normal. But stomach pain, nausea, or bloating out of nowhere? That's your nervous system talking through your gut. The brain-gut connection is real - when your mind is overwhelmed, your digestive system takes the hit.

Chronic tension messes with digestion, appetite, and even your microbiome. This is another overlooked sign of a dysregulated nervous system. To soothe it, slow down when you eat, chew properly, and breathe deeply before meals.

It's simple, but it signals your body: "We're not in danger. You can relax now."

If you find yourself constantly re-reading the same sentence or walking into rooms forgetting why, your overwhelmed nervous system may be behind it.

Chronic stress siphons energy away from "non-essential" tasks such as memory and concentration towards survival. Your brain's like, "Concentrate? Sorry, we are too busy fighting imaginary bears today."

However, the good news is that your focus comes back when your calm does. Try to do one thing at a time, because too much of multitasking can make you feel even more stressed out.

If you feel like you're losing your focus, stop, take three deep breaths, and re-center. That's one of the easiest ways to soothe your nervous system in real time.

If you find yourself wondering if you have lost your spark - your creativity, your sense of humor, your patience - that's not you fading; that's your dysregulated nervous system burning out.

Constant overactivation depletes your dopamine and serotonin levels, and you feel like you are always in survival mode. One of the most difficult symptoms of nervous system overload is emotional flatness, since it's quite hard to notice, as it creeps in slowly.

To bounce back, give yourself the permission to do things that bring ease, like laughter, slow mornings, soft music, or just nothing at all. Joy itself can be a nervous system reset.

Okay, let's talk a bit about how to calm your nervous system.

So, how in the world do you really calm an overwhelmed nervous system? You don't need a pricey retreat or hours of meditation. True healing begins small.

Here's how you can do that:

These habits pay off because they remind your body what relaxation looks like -- something a dysregulated nervous system forgets over time.

Your body is not letting go, it's simply asking you to slow down a little. The signs of a dysregulated nervous system often masquerade as "random problems," but once you start noticing the pattern, you can begin to respond with compassion instead of frustration.

Each deep breath, each mindful moment, is a tiny act of repair.

Related: 11 Scary Symptoms of A Nervous Breakdown

So if you have been feeling off lately - tired, jumpy, disconnected, or just not yourself - it might be time for that long-overdue nervous system reset. Your body's been whispering for help; now, it's your turn to listen.