Forget “relax”. If your nervous system has been hijacked, we need something stronger…Like a shot of getting your life together (and your body).

Take it from me: it was back-to-school chaos, my boys duking it out like only brothers can, and me already running on empty — juggling my own schoolwork, a full plate, and the unkind visit from Aunt Flo. My youngest was locked in meltdown mode, my oldest egging him on, and there I was, fighting my own inner tantrum while trying to be the calm in the storm.

For minutes, I held my youngest close, tears sliding down my cheeks — not because I lost control, but because my nervous system needed to release after holding on so damn tight. That moment? Pure hijacked nervous system in action.

Here’s the truth: your nervous system isn’t just “stressed.” It’s been taken over, commandeered by survival mode that’s stuck on repeat. And honey, you deserve better than that.

When your nervous system’s hijacked, choosing you isn’t just an act—it’s a revolution that reclaims your power, your peace, and your life.”

Why Your Nervous System Isn’t Just “Stressed” — It’s Hijacked

Here’s the truth: your nervous system acts like your body’s oldest security guard, constantly on the lookout to keep you safe. Whenever it senses danger—whether real or just perceived—it immediately flips into fight, flight, or freeze mode faster than you can blink.

Now, as a mom in today’s world, you’re basically living inside a pressure cooker that never lets up. Between juggling endless tasks, managing everyone’s needs, and carrying your own worries, your nervous system quickly concludes you’re under attack—even long after the actual threat has passed.

As a result, instead of feeling centered, you find yourself wired and drained. Instead of calm, you swing between snapping or shutting down. That’s the hijack: your survival system stays stuck in emergency mode long after the danger disappears.

It’s exhausting, no doubt. But thankfully, you can retrain that old guard to relax, reset, and finally come back to work with you.

The Fallout: Signs Your Nervous System Is Hijacked

First things first: how do you know if your nervous system’s been hijacked? It’s not always obvious, but trust me — your body and mind will give you plenty of signals.

Physically, you might notice:

• Persistent tension, especially in your neck, shoulders, or jaw
• Gut issues like tightness, cramps, or unpredictable digestion
• Headaches or brain fog that won’t quit
• Racing heart or shallow breathing, even when you’re “supposed” to be calm

Emotionally, you could be feeling:

• A short fuse that surprises even you
• Numbness or disconnection from your feelings and loved ones
• Constant anxiety or that low-level dread that just won’t shake
• Difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling unrested

Mentally, it might look like:

• Trouble focusing or making decisions
• Feeling overwhelmed by even small tasks
• Racing thoughts or mental “noise” that won’t quiet down

Now, if you’re anything like me, it’s a tangled-up ball of so many of these signs all at once — and some days, I can’t even tell if I’m coming or going.

But here’s the thing: you’re not broken — you’re hijacked. And that’s exactly why it feels impossible to “just relax” or “get it together.” Your nervous system has been stuck on high alert for far too long.

The Reset: How to Get Your Nervous System Back on Track

Here’s the good news: you can reset that hijacked nervous system — but it’s not magic. It takes real, practical tools that work when you actually use them (I’m looking at you, “just lay still and hope it goes away” days — spoiler alert: that doesn’t work).

Start with breathwork: Slow, deep breaths send a powerful signal to your brain that you’re safe. Try the simple “count to four” inhale, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. Do it five times and feel your body soften.

Move your body: This doesn’t have to be a workout. Gentle movement — stretching, walking, dancing in your kitchen — tells your nervous system you’re alive, safe, and in control.

Check in with yourself: Do quick tension scans multiple times a day. Notice where you’re holding stress and consciously release it — roll your shoulders, unclench your jaw, soften your belly.

Change your scenery: When overwhelm hits, step outside if you can. Feel the air, look at the sky, remind yourself how vast the world is compared to your worries.

Set boundaries: Saying no isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Protect your energy like it’s gold because, honestly? It is.

The Long Game: Keeping Your Calm for Good

Resetting your nervous system isn’t some overnight magic trick — it’s like slowly sneaking back into the control room of your own body after some imposter hijacked the whole damn place. You didn’t just lose the keys; someone else’s been pushing your buttons, running the show, making moves you never signed up for.

But here’s the thing: you can take that control back. Not all at once, but bit by bit, day by day — showing up to your own dashboard, flipping switches, and telling that imposter, “Nah, not today.”

Give yourself permission to prioritize calm like it’s your damn lifeline. Because without it, everything else—your energy, your patience, your joy—starts slipping through your fingers.

Build simple routines that work for you — not the other way around. Maybe that’s a quick breath in the morning, a stretch before bed, or an hour without your phone. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up.

Remember: progress beats perfection every damn time. You’ll stumble, you’ll fall, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the driver’s seat. Like my grandad always said, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” Find what fits you — your own rhythm, your own vibe.

Celebrate the small wins like the badass they are. Every time you flip a switch back to you, that imposter loses a little more control.

And baby, you’re not driving this ride alone. It’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it’s 100% worth every wild mile.

Ready to Take Back Your Calm—for Real?

Look, reclaiming your nervous system isn’t some magic pill or a quick fix. It’s messy, it’s hard, and sometimes you’ll want to throw in the towel. But here’s the truth: every time you choose you—even in the smallest way—you’re flipping the script on that imposter running the show.

You’re stronger than you know, and you don’t have to do this alone. I’m here for you, with real talk, practical tools, and a whole lot of love.

So, if you’re ready to stop letting stress drive your life and start steering your own damn ship, subscribe to the KLS Lifestyle newsletter for daily doses of encouragement and no-fluff self-care wisdom.

And when you need a quick lifeline, grab my 1-page KLS Nervous System Reset Guide–your secret weapon to breathe calm back into your body, anytime, anywhere.

Mama, it’s time to kick that hijacker to the curb and take back your power. You’ve got this—and I’ve got you.