You’re Not Dysfunctional, You’re Deregulated

One moment, you’re in full alignment—journaling your intentions, sticking to your routines, creating content, working out, eating clean, and glowing from the inside out.

Then suddenly, it’s like everything shuts down. You’re crying in your car over something small, avoiding your to-do list, lashing out at someone you care about, or dissociating on your phone for hours.

You wonder: What’s wrong with me?

Am I lazy? Am I self-sabotaging? Am I just not cut out for this “healing” and “becoming her” lifestyle?

Let me stop you right there:

You’re not dysfunctional. You’re deregulated.

Most of us were taught that becoming our best self is about having routines , doing the inner work, and staying “disciplined.” But very few of us were taught that our nervous system plays a massive role in how we show up.

You can’t affirm your way through a nervous system that’s in survival mode.

You can’t journal your way through a body that doesn’t feel safe.

You can’t manifest when your energy is scattered and your spirit is exhausted.

What Is Dysregulation, Really?

Nervous system dysregulation is what happens when your body doesn’t feel safe—consciously or unconsciously. It can be triggered by stress, trauma, overstimulation, emotional overwhelm, lack of rest, or even pushing yourself too hard in the name of self-improvement.

When we’re dysregulated, our fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses get activated. We might:

• Feel anxious or shut down

• Snap at people we love

• Struggle with decision fatigue or emotional burnout

• Avoid things that used to excite us

• “Numb out” with distractions like food, scrolling, or overthinking

This isn’t dysfunction. This is your body protecting you the only way it knows how.

So How Do You Regulate Again?

Regulation doesn’t mean doing more. It means doing what makes your body feel safe, calm, and grounded again. Here are gentle ways to support nervous system regulation:

1. Come back to the body

Ground yourself in the present moment. Touch something textured. Stretch slowly. Put your bare feet to the earth. Hold a grounding crystal like Picture Jasper or Howlite—both of which are used in my Girls of Attraction jewelry for calming anxious energy.

2. Breathe on purpose

A few deep, intentional breaths can signal to your body that it’s safe. Try box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) or simply place one hand on your chest, one on your stomach, and breathe until your body softens.

3. Create a regulation ritual

For some, it’s sipping tea. For others, it’s holding an affirmation bracelet and repeating words of comfort. That’s the beauty of intention-based jewelry—it becomes a physical anchor when your mind feels far away.

Each piece in my collections is made with crystals that are chosen for specific emotional needs—from soothing overwhelm to inviting peace, love, or strength. You don’t have to think your way through healing. Sometimes you just need a reminder to pause, breathe, and come back to yourself.

4. Let go of perfection

Your journey won’t always look “aesthetic” or linear. Some days your highest self wears under-eye patches and scripts her dream life. Other days she’s crying, deep breathing, and repeating, “I’m safe. I’m okay. This will pass.”

Both are part of the process.

 

You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re healing.

And healing isn’t always graceful. But it is sacred.

The next time you feel like you’re falling apart, ask yourself:

“What do I need to feel safe right now?”

Not what looks good. Not what’s productive. Just what helps you come home to yourself.

And if you ever need a tangible reminder, explore the pieces at Girls of Attraction. Every bracelet is created with intention, infused with grounding energy, and designed to support your glow-up without the pressure to be perfect.

Because real transformation isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about returning to who you were before the world told you to shrink.