How to Stay Sane in an Overstimulated World
Four intentional strategies for focus
Nahid de Belgeonne, “the nervous system whisperer” is an Author and somatic movement educator. She specialises in helping clients through burnout, anxiety, and trauma-related issues with The Soothe Programme.
If you want to find out more about The Soothe Programme and how it can help you, I am holding a Q&A on Anxiety. It’s on February 3rd at 7 pm – send me an email with YES in the subject header and I will send you the link to join us.
Hello you, I am so late with the newsletter so prepare to get two this week to make up for it.
A few things derailed me, I’ll talk about it at some stage. I’m also in process, and catching my breath with all that is happening. I am no good to anyone unless I am well-regulated.
What keeps me sane is being engaged in my work which is equal parts research, teaching, connection, healing and marketing. It ticks all of the boxes to keep me intellectually, somatically and spiritually engaged. It was food for my soul to be in community on The Soothe Day retreat. I love empowering people to deeply care for themselves.
The next Soothe Day Retreat is on Saturday 17th May - I teach the principles of soothing your system each time but also offer fresh perspectives for brain and body movement based on research, what clients are going through, and what is happening in the world. Book into the day retreats throughout the year to keep reminding your system how it feels to be at ease. The early bird price ends on the 31st January – nab your spot here.
There is so much going on right now to discombobulate our nervous system …in a world that never sleeps, neither does the news. With 24/7 updates constantly pinging our devices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and distracted. The ceaseless barrage of information—often curated for shock value or urgency—can have a corroding influence on our brains. Understanding this impact is the first step toward reclaiming our attention, a precious commodity that modern media competes for relentlessly.
Rather than let in even more dizzying conjecture, the most useful strategy for me is to safeguard my attention. I am engaged in the world, action gives me purpose and so avoiding the unfolding of global events is not empowering to me.
Instead, I am intentional about how I consume the news - always for a short and specified time of my choosing and from trusted sources. This allows me to prepare for it and recover from it by taking necessary action. It means that I am not passively receiving information expecting my nervous system to cope with everything that comes at it, without conscious support.
In an era where information is abundant but attention is finite, the onus is on you to protect your emotional landscape. By setting boundaries, embracing periods of quiet, and prioritising meaningful engagement over mindless consumption, you can navigate the modern world without succumbing to its corrosive effects.
The critical thing is to pair your emotion with an action.
Your attention is a treasure. Treat it as such, and your brain will thank you.
Today’s lesson is on bringing your attention back to what is real, right now.
Attention has become one of the most valuable resources in the digital age. Media outlets, social platforms, and advertisers all vie for it, employing strategies that exploit our psychological vulnerabilities. According to a study published in Nature Communications (2019), our collective attention span is shrinking, largely due to the rapid pace and high volume of digital content. Algorithms prioritise sensational headlines and emotionally charged stories, keeping us glued to our screens while fragmenting our focus.
This relentless demand on our attention doesn’t just exhaust us; it rewires our brains. Neuroscientists have found that constant stimulation—like scrolling through endless news feeds—activates the brain’s reward pathways, releasing dopamine. This creates a cycle of compulsive consumption, not unlike addiction, where we seek updates even when they contribute little to our well-being or understanding.
The Brain’s Desire for Varying Intensities
Our brains are not designed to operate at a constant intensity. We naturally cycle through states of high focus and relaxation, which allow us to process information, reflect, and recharge. However, the 24/7 news cycle disrupts this rhythm by keeping us in a state of heightened alertness.
Chronic exposure to news can activate the amygdala, the brain’s fear centre, leading to increased stress and anxiety. A 2022 study in Health Communication found that people who consume news compulsively are more likely to experience poor mental health outcomes, including depression and sleep disturbances. This phenomenon, known as “news fatigue,” illustrates the toll of constant information overload.
Protecting your emotional health in an age of perpetual news requires intentional strategies. Here are some science-backed tips to help you reclaim your focus:
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