In 2025, I’ve made it my mission to regulate my nervous system. I want to feel better. I took the first step in this mission by scheduling an appointment with a naturopathic doctor. She did a deep dive into my bloodwork and, sure enough, I suffer from an inflamed gut, nutrient deficiencies, and a thyroid that’s not sending proper messages. She asked me if I felt tired. My answer was yes, but I still continue to get everything done. Even thinking that makes me sad. It means that I will make sure all the work and everyone else is taken care of before myself.

That changes this year. . .

I sat and pondered how long I actually feel that my nervous system has been in overdrive. I came to the startling realization that is’ been nearly twelve years. I know the trigger — my dad’s unexpected passing.

Since his death, I’ve made work my entire reality. Of course, I make time for relationships and physical activity, but the root of my existence has been the work I do. First, it was securing my current job after moving back to Austin — growing the ranks in corporate America. Then, it was managing and shutting down the businesses my dad left behind. Then, it was starting my own business and growing it. Then, it was leaving corporate America to run my own business full time. Now, it’s making sure the business stays successful enough for me to live my current lifestyle.

I have been in “fight or flight” mode for twelve years. My nervous system hasn’t gotten any rest and, now, my body is sending me all the signals to slow down. Ask me two years ago if I thought slowing down was an option and I’d have laughed in your face. I guess the joke is on me.

I’m at the point where slowing down is my only option for sustainability and longer-term growth. In the past, slowing down for me meant taking a few small vacations (and maybe one big vacation) every year. During the vacation, I’d mostly be off but would still check emails. I would take the vacation, enjoy myself and then come back ready to work. I came to realize that vacations are work all on their own!

Sure, it’s not physical or mental work, but it’s a different kind of work. Like when people say, “I need a vacation from my vacation!” All that means to me is that my previous plan of “slowing down” during vacations wasn’t really much of a plan.

When I think of slowing down now, I’m not even thinking vacation. I’m thinking eight hours of rest every night. I’m thinking meditating and journaling. I’m thinking fueling my body with nutritious foods. I’m thinking talking walks in nature. I’m thinking rest and recovery.

I can no longer be as anxious, worried, fearful, or stressed as I have been. Fight or flight mode is not a sustainable form of being. I also have enough evidence to know that no matter what I go through, I will be okay. Things will be okay.

Finally, I’ve finally that slowing down is a form of self-care. When you care about yourself, you can foster growth. The ability to pause and give your mind, body, and soul the chance to sit and breathe is invaluable. I know it’s not easy — especially when you’re working towards things that really matter, but it’s necessary.

Have you taken the time to slow down? If so, has it been conducive to your overall growth as a person? I’d love to hear about your experiences, so share a comment below!