Why Being in the Present Moment Is Important?
The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also evoke stress, overwhelm, or even difficult memories. This time of year often pulls us out of the present moment, making it hard to stay calm and connected.
Stress and anxiety amplify this disconnection, pulling us away from the present moment and leaving us feeling overwhelmed and out of control. But learning to anchor yourself in the here and now is the first step to finding calm and balance.
In this post, we’ll explore why being present matters and how your nervous system responds to stress.
How Our Nervous System Works in Daily Life
Did you know your nervous system operates in three key states depending on how safe or stressed you feel?
These states are explained by Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges:
Calm and Connected (Ventral Vagal)
Feeling safe, grounded, and connected to yourself and others.
Fight or Flight (Sympathetic)
Feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or anxious, as if you need to escape or fix something urgently.
Shutdown or Freeze (Dorsal Vagal)
Feeling trapped, disconnected, or hopeless, like there’s no way out.
Our goal is to cultivate the ability to return to the Calm and Connected (Ventral Vagal) state whenever we notice we’re not there. It’s not about staying in this state all the time—which isn’t realistic—but about recognizing where you are and knowing you have the capacity to guide yourself back to calm and connection.
By returning to the present moment, we create the conditions to access this state.
Why Being in the Present Moment Is Important
When we’re stressed, our minds often wander to the past or future:
If you’re stuck in the future, you might feel overwhelmed, rushed, or anxious about what might go wrong (Sympathetic).
If you’re stuck in the past, you might feel regretful, self-doubting, or hopeless about things that have already happened (Dorsal Vagal).
But being in the present moment allows your nervous system to regulate, helping you feel calmer and more in control.
The present moment is where healing begins.
Ready to Explore More?
Now that you understand the importance of being present, let’s take the next step.
In Part 2, we’ll explore a practical technique by using our 5 Senses. This simple grounding practice helps you anchor your mind and body in the present moment, even when stress pulls you away.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
For more on this topic, check out Dr. Stephen Porges’ work on Polyvagal Theory.
Dr. Stephen Porges’ Website: stephenporges.com
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