<p>In this <strong>season finale</strong>, we dive deep into a crucial topic for musicians: <strong>nervous system regulation</strong>. Understanding how to master this skill can be transformative for your career and personal well-being.</p> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Episode Highlights</strong>:</p> <ul> <li><strong>What is nervous system regulation?</strong></li> <ul> <li>How dysregulation manifests in two ways:</li> <ul> <li><strong>Hypoactivation</strong>: Wanting to shut down, hide, or feeling depressed.</li> <li><strong>Hyperactivation</strong>: Increased heart rate, hypervigilance, perfectionism, and anxiety.</li> </ul> </ul> <li><strong>The stories and fears that affect musicians</strong>:</li> <ul> <li>Fear of being seen.</li> <li>Worry about not being good enough.</li> <li>Fear of rejection or criticism.</li> </ul> <li><strong>The disconnect between mind and body</strong>:</li> <ul> <li>Even if you <em>know</em> you're safe, your body may still react based on past experiences.</li> </ul> <li><strong>Cheryl’s personal experience with anxiety and regulation</strong>:</li> <ul> <li>Learning to communicate with anxiety as a protective part of herself.</li> <li>Cultivating compassion for the body's response to fear.</li> </ul> <li><strong>Practical tools to regulate your nervous system</strong>:</li> <ul> <li><strong>Down-regulation techniques</strong>:</li> <ul> <li>Breathing through your nose to signal safety to your brain.</li> <li>Grounding: Lying on the floor, feeling your feet on the ground, or rubbing your arms.</li> <li>Listening to bird songs, singing, humming, or taking a hot bath.</li> </ul> <li><strong>Up-regulation techniques</strong> (for hypoactivation):</li> <ul> <li>Walking, getting fresh air, or using a hot-and-cold shower.</li> <li>Flossing your teeth to focus your energy.</li> </ul> </ul> <li><strong>Why this matters for your music career</strong>:</li> <ul> <li>Shortening the time you spend in dysregulation helps you stay aligned with your goals.</li> <li>Regulation enables you to connect authentically with your audience and build the fan base you deserve.</li> </ul> </ul> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Resources Mentioned</strong>:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Amplify Coaching</strong>: If you’re ready to work on your triggers and nervous system regulation, learn more about Cheryl’s trauma-informed coaching at http://www.inthekey.co/coach.</li> <li><strong>Releasify App</strong>: Download the free <em>Releasify</em> app to elevate your music career and streamline your next release: <a href="http://www.inthekey.co/app" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.inthekey.co/app</a></li> </ul> <p>Thank you for joining me this season! Share this episode with your musician friends, and I’ll see you next season with more tools and inspiration to help you thrive.</p>