When Our Gears Get Stuck
Have you ever felt like your body just won’t shift—revved up and restless no matter how much you try to slow down, or so heavy and foggy that even simple tasks feel impossible?
Sometimes, our nervous system gears get stuck. And when they do, it’s information—not failure.
Stuck in Drive: When the Gas Pedal Won’t Release
Heart racing in quiet moments. Muscles that won’t soften. A mind that won’t turn off.
This is what happens when your sympathetic nervous system gets locked “on.” Your body believes there’s still danger, even when you’re safe.
What we often call anxiety is frequently this: a nervous system stuck in drive.
You might notice:
Exhaustion that rest doesn’t touch
Feeling wired but tired
Difficulty staying present
A body vibrating with tension
This isn’t weakness. It’s your system keeping you alive.
Emergency Brake On: When Shutdown Becomes Home
Other times, your system pulls the emergency brake and forgets how to release it.
What we often call depression can have roots here: a system conserving energy.
It can feel like thick fog, where even small tasks take enormous effort.
You might notice:
Feeling disconnected from your body
Watching your life from the outside
Physical heaviness, like moving through water — a kind of deep fatigue or lethargy
Numbness where you expect feeling
Shutdown isn’t giving up—it’s protection.
Creating Space for Movement
So what do we do when we’re stuck? We start by honoring where we are.
If you’re revved up:
Notice without changing: “My body is working hard to keep me safe.”
Find tiny moments of softening—unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders
Seek gentle comfort—a calm voice, steady presence, soothing touch
If you’re in shutdown:
Acknowledge the protection: “My system is conserving energy for healing.”
Look for tiny sparks of aliveness—sunlight on skin, warmth in your hands
Notice gentle sensations, like warm shower water flowing over your body
Move at your system’s pace, not the pace you think you should
For everyone:
Healing isn’t linear (it looks more like the stock market)
Notice what your body needs, not what your mind insists it should need
Stay curious, not critical
When You Need a Mechanic
If gears stay stuck longer than feels sustainable, additional support may be essential—therapy, bodywork, medical care, or trusted friends.
Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means your system is protecting you the best way it knows how.
Consider:
What gear do I find myself stuck in most often?
What would it feel like to honor where my system is right now?
Your nervous system has kept you alive through everything you’ve faced.
Sometimes the most radical thing we can do is stop pushing—and start listening.
Warmly,
Lillian
