What Does It Actually Take to Get Out of Hypervigilance?
Summary
Ever notice you can't just think your way into calm? In this follow-up to last week's episode on Complex PTSD Awareness Month, Mandi breaks down what's actually happening in the brain during hypervigilance, and more importantly, what to do about it.
Pulled from a keynote Mandi recently delivered to a mastermind group titled "Leading Beyond Hypervigilance," this episode walks through the neuroscience behind hustle mode (the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex), three simple nervous system tools you can use anywhere (the butterfly hug, humming, and grounding), two breathing techniques, and Mandi's personal self-care menu built around what she sees, hears, feels, and smells. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to lead yourself out of survival mode, this episode gives you real, practical tools, not just another reminder to relax.
Resources
Calm App - App Mandi uses for grounding sounds like ocean waves and daily calm practices.
Previous Episode: Complex PTSD vs. PTSD - Last week's episode explaining the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD.
Previous Episode: Panic Attack Tools For Relief with Tom - Referenced episode on what happens in the body during a panic attack and what to do about it.
Connect with Mandi:
Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com
Take the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz
Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared
LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt
TIMESTAMPS
02:07 Understanding Hypervigilance in the Brain
03:14 Trauma and the Brain's Overactive Alarm System
04:14 Fueling Hustle Mode and Its Roots in Trauma
05:20 The Importance of Asking for Help
06:07 Symptoms and Costs of Hypervigilance
07:01 Signs of Hypervigilant Leadership
08:12 Brain Parts Affected by Trauma
09:45 Neuroplasticity and Healing the Brain
12:55 The Nervous System and Its Role in Safety
14:30 Nervous System Tools: Body, Breath, Environment
17:52 Grounding Techniques: Body, Senses, and Environment
18:32 Breath Techniques for Regulation
20:34 Supporting Yourself with Environment and Self-Care
21:00 Small Steps and Self-Compassion
23:36 Building a Self-Care Menu
29:45 Summary and Resources for Further Support
The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.
