Episode 69: Understanding Your Nervous System | Why You’re Not “Too Sensitive” with Therapist Lindsey Howard, LCSW

Episode Description:Have you ever wondered why your heart starts racing in the school pickup line, why small inconveniences suddenly feel enormous, or why everyone keeps telling you to “regulate your nervous system” without explaining what that actually means?This week on Pretty in Pink Again, we’re joined by licensed clinical social worker and therapist Lindsey Howard to break down the nervous system in a way that’s approachable, relatable, and incredibly validating. We explore why your body often reacts before your mind, how chronic stress impacts everything from sleep and digestion to parenting and relationships, and why understanding your nervous system can completely change the way you view anxiety and overwhelm.Whether you’re navigating motherhood, feeling constantly overstimulated, or simply trying to understand why you’ve been living in survival mode, this conversation offers practical tools and reassuring reminders that your body isn’t failing you. It’s doing exactly what it was designed to do: protect you.In this episode, we discuss:What your nervous system actually does and why it mattersWhy your body reacts even when you’re not in real dangerThe difference between stress and anxietyHow to recognize common nervous system statesWhat happens when you spend too much time in survival modeThe physical effects of chronic stress on sleep, digestion, immunity, and overall healthThe fawn response, people-pleasing, and why so many women struggle to put themselves firstWhy overwhelmed brains tend to catastrophize and spiralPractical ways to regulate your nervous system during busy, everyday lifeHabits that feel calming but may actually keep you activatedWhy motherhood is uniquely demanding on the nervous systemHow a parent’s stress can influence their children’s emotional regulationHow to repair after losing your patience without getting stuck in guiltLove the Episode?If this episode resonated, it would mean so much if you took a moment to follow, rate, and review Pretty in Pink Again. It helps us grow, reach more women, and continue having these conversations that matter.You can also follow along on Instagram @prettyinpinkagain @kristinabontempo and @christinatarabishy for more behind-the-scenes, clips, and everything we’re building beyond the mic. 💗Hey PIPAS! Send us a text for episode feedback, ideas, and questions!