As we grow up, play is often dismissed as childish or unproductive. Society encourages us to "be responsible," prioritizing work, family, and to-do lists over spontaneity and joy.

But play is not just for kids! 

Our nervous systems are wired and desire to engage with others in activities that fill us with excitement and joy and we do not age out of this desire.  

Simply put, play isn’t just fun—it’s a biological necessity.

Managing one’s autonomic nervous system responses can help maintain mental clarity and overall cognitive well-being.

Addressing the root cause of this dysregulation—whether it’s workplace stress or deeper emotional wounds—is essential for long-term mental wellness. Effective approaches may include trauma-focused therapy, exploring attachment styles, and identifying personal triggers.

Therapy is great but can take time to ‘do the work.’ But the good news is there are some nervous system ‘hacks’ that can help your body holistically manage stress.

At Flourish!, the vagus nerve is the connector between our treatment models in psychotherapy and our nutritional services and programs. By working with clients to develop vagal tone so they can regulate their cognitive, emotional and social behavior response they can accept the body’s anxious response—rather than resist it—ensuring healthy communication and processing during stressful times. Eating the right foods to ensure healthy digestion and elimination also plays a big role in developing vagal tone.

The body not only keeps the score but it also keeps a calendar. My entire body knew an anniversary of a terrifying event was coming up and this anniversary was approaching at a time when there were several stressors happening in my life. My internal protectors knew before I did that I did not have the strength or capacity to be with all I was holding and, thankfully, dropped my nervous system in a dorsal vagal state so I could get by on the bare minimum until I had more capacity on board to deal with all the things that were happening in the here and now.

Social health refers to the quality of our relationships and our sense of community. It's more than just having friends or family; it's about feeling connected, supported, and valued in meaningful ways. Social connectedness is essential for our emotional and psychological well-being, and it can also significantly impact physical health. Research shows that these connections are not merely beneficial but are as essential as other basic needs.

The more we ignore and dismiss the stress that we are experiencing under the hood, the more likely we are to get sick, withdraw from others, or cannot find a way to relax and enjoy the holiday spirit.

We encourage you to give yourself gifts that are not objects but can fill you with nurturing, compassion, gratitude and connection. YOU are just as important as everyone else on your gift list!