Kim | Gal With Gumption
Girl Talk PHX: What led you to bring focus to nervous system regulation with connection to corporate burnout?
Kim: It was through my own journey that guided me to this focus.
GT: How does burnout directly affect the nervous system, and what are the early signs of burnout that most professionals will overlook?
K: Burnout creates a state of survival throughout the body, early signs can include sleep disruption, increased reactivity, brain fog, lack of creativity, passion, overthinking and detachment.
GT: What does nervous system regulation sound like in simple terms? What are a few simple practices that someone can do during a busy workday to reset without stepping away from their job, and what are some practices that can be done at home to assist?
K: Nervous system regulation is supported by implementing practices and tools that create a rest + digest in the body vs. survival mode. The first step is choosing you. Consistency is very important, alongside meeting yourself exactly where you’re at with compassion.
Some ways to begin include:
-When you first wake up, not reaching for your phone. Stretch your body out in bed met with a long inhale through the nose an exhale (maybe audibly from the mouth) When you get out of bed, rinse your face with cold water, find a quiet spot to sit comfortably, close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths. (in the nose, out of the mouth) Then notice your breath come back to its normal pace. Additionally you can say out loud a positive intention or affirmation. “I am fearless in any situation” or “Everything is always working out for me” are some examples.
-Throughout your work day, if a situation or email arises that is met with strong feelings, take a break, close your eyes, and complete 3 rounds of “box breaths”. Breath in for a 4 count, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4.
Repeat this as often as needed throughout your day.
-At the end of your day when you settle into bed, repeat the stretch and breath practice from the morning with an ending affirmation like “There is nothing left for me to do today, the day is done and now is my time to rest."
GT: What kind of mindset and boundary shifts do you see in someone who puts in this kind of work?
Choosing to honor and nurture your nervous system, shows up in less reactivity, increased connection and love of self, deeper rest and rediscovering joy. You trust yourself more, say no more often, (vs. the “I should say yes” response) and honor what you need in various forms of self care. There is a deep softness and security that is felt within, that allows self trust to continue to strengthen.
GT: We admire and appreciate everything you have contributed, and continue to contribute to this group through your work. What is one big gain, and one small gain that you have noticed in your business since joining Girl Talk PHX?
Im grateful to be a part of this community as a big gain has been to find and grow within a group of local, women owned small businesses. Smaller gains include various tools, systems, process awareness and education that is shared on the monthly meetings and quarterly events. All of these details support how I choose to refine, protect and expand my small business.
Find and Follow Kim on Instagram @GalwithGumption
