Are you noticing that noise feels louder than usual? Do you find yourself feeling agitated, anxious, or uneasy in places that never used to bother you?
You’re not alone.
What you’re experiencing is your sympathetic nervous system—the body’s fight, flight, or freeze response—on high alert. It’s a natural reaction when we perceive danger, and right now, many people are feeling that heightened stress.
Maybe you’re worried about whether you’ll still have a job in 90 days under this new administration. Perhaps you fear that your child will lose access to gender-affirming care. Or maybe someone you love is at risk of deportation.
These concerns are real. They are valid. And it makes sense that your body feels like it’s in overdrive. But we can’t sustain this level of stress for the next four years. We have to find ways to support ourselves, our families, and our communities—without burning out.
Here are some simple yet powerful ways to regulate your nervous system and bring a sense of calm back into your body.
1. Breathe Through Your Nose
When we’re stressed, we tend to breathe through our mouths and into our upper chest—activating the fight-or-flight response. Instead, try breathing deeply through your nose, allowing your belly and ribs to expand as you inhale. This signals safety to your nervous system and encourages a shift toward relaxation.
2. Try Cold Therapy
Cold exposure can help reset the nervous system. Fill a large bowl with ice water and submerge your wrists. Stay as long as you comfortably can, focusing on slow, deep breaths through your nose. Closing your eyes may also help you feel more grounded.
3. Wear Compression Clothing
Compression shirts can provide gentle, calming pressure on the body, helping to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and ease sensory overload. Many people find them helpful for managing anxiety, and I’ve personally switched from wearing sports bras to compression-style tanks for this very reason.
Here are some styles that I am loving:
From Old Navy: Powersoft Longline Bra https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=892229072&vid=1&searchText=compression+tanks#pdp-page-content
From Athleta: Transcend V-neck Crop Bra https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=841559152&vid=1&searchText=compression%20tank#pdp-page-content
and from Lululemon: Ebb to Street Tank https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-tanks/Ebb-To-Street-Tank-MD/_/prod6960008?color=10169
Take Care of Yourself
We’re living in uncertain and challenging times. Finding small, accessible ways to care for your nervous system isn’t just about self-care—it’s about resilience. The more we can regulate our own stress, the more energy we’ll have to fight for what matters and support those who need us.
Give yourself permission to rest, breathe, and recharge. We need you in this movement, but we need you well.
