How to use exercise to regulate your nervous system with Dr. Shannon Ritchey

Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast for Parents

02/19/24 • 44 min

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We cannot co-regulate our kids if we aren’t regulated ourselves. And most of us (I’m raising both of my hands here) need to make extra effort to activate our parasympathetic nervous system because our sympathetic nervous systems can go into overdrive so quickly as parents to neurodivergent kids. Chronic dysregulation and chronic sympathetic nervous system activation is definitely a THING, our kids can experience, and we can too. And when we’re chronically dysregulated, literally everything in our day just becomes harder, less efficient, and we become crankier, more burnt out, and less able to access the best parenting skills. I put off creating an exercise routine for a long time because I just wasn’t the most active person and it didn’t motivate me- which I’ll share in the podcast, but trust me when I say- it’s true! It’s true what they say- consistent movement in a way that feels good to your body, that incorporates a good warm up and cool down can do WONDERS for your mental health, and I am truly a better parent and wife now that I have a fitness regime that works for me.
Dr. Shannon is a former physical therapist and the founder of Evlo Fitness. Her mission is to help women get stronger and build muscle with less strain on their bodies. She believes in the power of educating about the physiology of our bodies to create fitness programs that aren’t overly depleting or exhausting.

This episode dives in to:

> A little background on my workout journey

> Why it’s important to NOT skip the cool down in an exercise program

> What is gentle consistency (TM) and how can it help you maintain an active lifestyle that works for you

> How to get started with an exercise routine if you feel completely overwhelmed

Links:

Fit Body, Happy Joints podcast episodes Laura recommends:

Is walking enough?

Productive vs. unproductive stress

Nervous system tools to improve your results

How to train your nervous system

Code THEOTBUTTERFLY on www.evlofitness.com for 1 month free trial