👉 Why Your Reaction Right Now Makes Sense

After last week’s newsletter, I noticed something interesting in myself and in the conversations that followed.

Some people told me they felt tired, helpless, or strangely disconnected. Others said they felt activated and motivated — even a little fired up. Many felt both, depending on the day.

All of those responses make sense.

What May Be Happening in Our Nervous Systems 

Right now, many of us are trying to metabolize an enormous amount of information and uncertainty — personally, professionally, and collectively. When that happens, the nervous system does what it’s designed to do: it adapts.

One framework that often helps make sense of this is polyvagal theory. It’s important to say that polyvagal theory is just that — a theory, not settled scientific fact — but many people find it useful. At a high level, it suggests that our nervous system shifts between states of calm connection, activation, and protection based on what it perceives as safe or threatening.

What This Can Look Like

When the load becomes too much for too long, some nervous systems respond by turning the volume down. You might find that feelings become muted, motivation drops, and engagement feels harder.

This is often labeled as numbness or apathy, but it’s usually just a normal, protective response to overload. It’s not some sort of personal failure and it certainly doesn’t mean you don’t care.

Overload isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it looks like:

• Being tired even after sleeping

• Unintentionally searching for unhealthy distractions

• Avoiding conversations you once cared about

• Feeling emotionally flat

Sometimes the System Mobilizes Instead

At the same time, other nervous systems do the opposite.

Instead of powering down, they mobilize. People feel a strong urge to speak up, organize, or take action. There can be a sense of clarity, determination, and even anger. You may be feeling that something needs to change, and you want to be part of that change.

That impulse to fight for something, to stand up or advocate, is also a valid and healthy response.

Neither response is better or more evolved than the other. They’re simply different ways the body and mind attempt to restore balance. Honor where you’re at and what you’re feeling.

If You’re Feeling Overloaded

The common thread amongst all the nervous system responses is information. Your system is giving you data about what it needs.

If you’re feeling like you’re in fight-or-flight or shutdown mode, what tends to help in moments like this isn’t pushing harder or demanding more of yourself. Try creating small, consistent signals of safety and support.

That might look like:

• Reducing inputs for a while (less news, fewer tabs, quieter evenings)

• Simplifying routines and expectations

• Eating regular, grounding meals instead of “stress snacking”

• Getting outside, especially with slow movement

• Spending time with one person who feels genuinely safe

For those feeling mobilized, it can also mean channeling that energy into purposeful, values-aligned action rather than letting it tip into exhaustion or burnout. What’s one action you can take this week that will make you feel like you accomplished something meaningful or connected with your community?

A Gentler Reframe

If you’ve been judging your response — whether that’s numbness, exhaustion, or anger — I want to offer a gentler reframe:

Your nervous system is simply responding intelligently to the world it’s in.

And from that place, there is room for rest, reflection, action, and care — sometimes all at once.

Take care of yourselves this week.