Overthinking?
Can’t relax?
Feeling anxious?
Easily overwhelmed?
Can’t switch off?
If a few of these sound familiar, your nervous system may be spending too much time on high alert.
Why this happens ↓
Nervous system state
Still switched on
When your system stays switched on
Stress is useful when something needs your attention. The problem is when your body keeps acting as though the pressure is still there, even after the moment has passed.
You might feel tense, impatient, restless or exhausted but still unable to properly switch off.
“I’m tired, but my brain won’t stop.”
Soma Circuit state
Overwhelmed
Too much
What can feel elevated
- Thinking
- Tension
- Urgency
- Input
- Speed
A simple picture of how this state can feel — not a score or diagnosis.
Sometimes you need to release before you can relax
When you are highly activated, your body may be carrying a lot of tension and energy. That is why going straight into a slow breathing exercise or trying to force yourself to relax does not always work.
If your muscles are tight, your breathing is fast and your whole system is preparing for action, sometimes the first step is release.
That might mean shaking out your arms, pushing against something solid, moving your body, deliberately tensing and releasing your muscles, making sound, or using another short physical practice that gives some of that activation somewhere to go.
Then relaxation often becomes easier.
-
Release
Move some of the activation first.
-
Settle
Give the body somewhere to come down.
-
Relax
Slower calming becomes easier.
For someone who feels Overwhelmed, a more dynamic release practice followed by a direct calming technique can sometimes help the system move towards a steadier state fairly quickly.
The goal is not to force yourself into perfect calm. It may simply be moving from an 8 out of 10 to a 6.
You don’t need to get from 8/10 to 0/10.
Not 8 → 0
Sometimes a shift is enough.
-
Release
Move some of the activation.
-
Ground
Feel your body and what is supporting you.
-
Breathe
Let your breathing gradually slow.
-
Relax
Allow your body to soften once some activation has shifted.
You don’t have to work out what to do yourself.
Soma Circuit starts with one simple question: how do you feel right now?
Choose your state and the app gives you short practices matched to it.
No 30-minute meditation.
No perfect morning routine.
Just a few minutes when you need it.
Regulation is not about staying calm all the time. It is about getting better at recognising your state, responding to it, and finding your way back towards balance.
Feeling overwhelmed today?
See what your nervous system needs.
Try Soma Circuit free for 7 daysShort body-based practices · Use anywhere
Soma Circuit is an educational wellness tool. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis or crisis support. If symptoms are persistent, worsening or interfering with daily life, please seek care from a qualified clinician.
If you are in crisis · AU Lifeline 13 11 14 · Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 · UK Samaritans 116 123 · US 988 · NZ 1737