12/17/2025
For healers, caregivers, mothers, and healthcare providers, overworking or chronic over giving without recovery activates the body’s stress response.
Over time, this elevates cortisol, disrupts emotional regulation, and contributes to burnout — especially during high-demand seasons.
Nervous system regulation isn’t about doing less.
It’s about restoring balance so the body can recover. 🕯️
Research 🧠
Chronic overextension and sustained caregiving roles are associated with increased cortisol output, reduced immune function, and impaired emotional regulation.
Citations:
Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. Norton.
Klimecki, O. M., Leiberg, S., Ricard, M., & Singer, T. (2014). Differential pattern of functional brain plasticity after compassion and empathy training. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 9(6), 873–879.
