S1E4: Your brain and nervous system are trying to help, but doing it wrong.

Rewiring Your Brain and Nervous System: Overcoming Unhelpful PatternsIn this episode, host Mona explores how our brain and nervous system, though well-meaning, often work against us based on past experiences. She compares this phenomenon to the game 'Saboteur,' where players unknowingly create paths leading away from their goals. Mona discusses common reactions such as overthinking, overworking, and shutting down, and explains how these are survival strategies rooted in our nervous system's misperception of danger. By understanding concepts like the polyvagal theory and neuroception, listeners can start recognizing unhelpful patterns like overworking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. Mona also shares practical techniques for retraining the brain and nervous system through both top-down and bottom-up approaches, highlighting the importance of neuroplasticity in creating safer, healthier responses.00:00 Introduction: Understanding Your Brain and Nervous System01:32 The Saboteur Game: A Metaphor for Your Brain03:43 Common Patterns of Self-Sabotage07:49 Overworking: The Flight Response in Disguise10:20 People Pleasing: The Fawn Response11:26 Perfectionism: The Freeze and Flight Blend14:15 Numbing and Avoiding: The Freeze Response16:47 Rewriting Your Survival Manual18:22 Practical Techniques for Nervous System Regulation22:18 Conclusion: Embrace Change and Rewire Your SystemTo to find out more about how I can help your workplace or work with me one on one, please see www.monatippets.comWant to understand your stress a little better? Get my free Stress Management Guide for High Achievers here.