In this season finale, we dive deep into a crucial topic for musicians: nervous system regulation. Understanding how to master this skill can be transformative for your career and personal well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• What is nervous system regulation?
• • How dysregulation manifests in two ways:
  • • Hypoactivation: Wanting to shut down, hide, or feeling depressed.
    • Hyperactivation: Increased heart rate, hypervigilance, perfectionism, and anxiety.
• The stories and fears that affect musicians:
• • Fear of being seen.
  • Worry about not being good enough.
  • Fear of rejection or criticism.
• The disconnect between mind and body:
• • Even if you know you're safe, your body may still react based on past experiences.
• Cheryl’s personal experience with anxiety and regulation:
• • Learning to communicate with anxiety as a protective part of herself.
  • Cultivating compassion for the body's response to fear.
• Practical tools to regulate your nervous system:
• • Down-regulation techniques:
  • • Breathing through your nose to signal safety to your brain.
    • Grounding: Lying on the floor, feeling your feet on the ground, or rubbing your arms.
    • Listening to bird songs, singing, humming, or taking a hot bath.
  • Up-regulation techniques (for hypoactivation):
  • • Walking, getting fresh air, or using a hot-and-cold shower.
    • Flossing your teeth to focus your energy.
• Why this matters for your music career:
• • Shortening the time you spend in dysregulation helps you stay aligned with your goals.
  • Regulation enables you to connect authentically with your audience and build the fan base you deserve.

Resources Mentioned:

• Amplify Coaching: If you’re ready to work on your triggers and nervous system regulation, learn more about Cheryl’s trauma-informed coaching at http://www.inthekey.co/coach.
• Releasify App: Download the free Releasify app to elevate your music career and streamline your next release: http://www.inthekey.co/app

Thank you for joining me this season! Share this episode with your musician friends, and I’ll see you next season with more tools and inspiration to help you thrive.