Many of us are living in a state of constant background stress whether we realize it or not.

Between global events, political tension, economic uncertainty, and the pace of daily life, it can feel like there is always something happening that demands our attention or concern.

If you have noticed that your body feels more reactive, inflamed, or exhausted lately, you are not imagining it.

Your nervous system is paying attention.

Why the State of the World Affects Your Body

Your nervous system is designed to scan for safety and threat. When the world feels unpredictable or unsafe, even if the danger is not immediate or personal, your system may shift into vigilance.

This can look like:

• Feeling on edge or tense
• Trouble relaxing or sleeping
• Increased fatigue or brain fog
• Heightened inflammation or symptom flares

From a physiological perspective, this makes sense. Chronic exposure to uncertainty and perceived threat keeps the nervous system in a protective state. Over time, this can contribute to increased inflammatory signaling and reduced immune tolerance.

Staying Informed Without Staying Flooded

Many people feel torn between wanting to stay informed and wanting to protect their mental and physical health.

Nervous system regulation does not require ignoring what is happening in the world. It does require being intentional about how and when you engage with it and setting healthy boundaries for the sake of your health.

A few supportive shifts can make a meaningful difference:

• Limiting news consumption to specific days of the week or time of day
• Avoiding news or social media first thing in the morning or right before bed
• Taking a few grounding breaths after consuming difficult information
• Noticing when your body has had enough and allowing yourself to step away

You can care deeply and still protect your nervous system.

Bringing the Nervous System Back to the Present Moment

When the nervous system is activated by global or collective stress, one of the most effective supports is helping it orient back to the here and now.

Gentle ways to do this include:

• Stepping away from the phone, computer, or TV and grounding yourself in the present moment and your environment. This can look like sitting at the piano and playing a song or two, or looking around the room and naming a few things you can see, hear, or feel.
• Stepping outside and noticing the temperature, the light, or the ground beneath your feet.
• Engaging in familiar routines that signal predictability and safety. More examples of this will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
• Connecting with people, animals, or activities that help your body soften.

These moments may seem small, but they send powerful signals to the nervous system that you are safe in this moment.

If you don’t know where to start, support is always available. Click here to schedule a Complimentary Meet & Greet with Dr. Marie, ND to explore what options are available for your health.