Okay, let’s talk about something that might sound a little “woo-woo” at first, but trust me on this one. Your nervous system – yes, that complex network of nerves running through your body – has everything to do with how much money you make in your business. I know, I know, it sounds like I’m about to tell you to start meditating under a full moon or something, but hear me out. This is pure science, and once you understand this connection, it’s going to change everything about how you show up as a CEO.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes that most entrepreneurs never realize: your nervous system is literally the control center for every business decision you make. When you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or running on fumes, your body goes into survival mode. And let me tell you, survival mode is terrible for business.
Think about the last time you had a really stressful week. Maybe a launch wasn’t going well, or you had a difficult client situation. How were your decisions during that time? Were you making strategic, long-term choices, or were you just putting out fires and reacting to everything that came your way?
When your nervous system is dysregulated – fancy term for “totally out of whack” – your brain literally can’t access the parts responsible for creative thinking, strategic planning, and innovative problem-solving. Instead, you’re operating from your amygdala, which is basically your brain’s alarm system. It’s great for running from tigers, not so great for running a business.
Now, I’m not a neuroscientist, but I’ve learned enough about this stuff to know it’s absolutely crucial for business success. When you’re chronically stressed, your body stops producing something called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, or BDNF. Think of BDNF as your brain’s adaptability superpower. Without it, you lose the ability to pivot when things aren’t working, spot new opportunities, or come up with creative solutions to problems.
Your brain also doesn’t get enough oxygen when you’re stressed, which means you literally can’t think as clearly. Ever notice how your best ideas come to you in the shower or on a walk? That’s your regulated nervous system at work. When you’re calm and present, your prefrontal cortex – the CEO of your brain – can actually do its job.
This isn’t just feel-good wellness stuff. This directly impacts your revenue. When you can’t think strategically, you miss opportunities. When you’re reactive instead of responsive, you make poor decisions. When you’re burnt out, you can’t sustain the energy needed to grow your business.
Let’s get real about what this looks like in your business. When your nervous system is constantly firing stress signals, you’re probably experiencing some of these revenue-killers:
You’re saying yes to everything because you’re in scarcity mode, which means you’re working with clients who aren’t a good fit and projects that drain your energy. You’re making decisions based on fear instead of strategy, which keeps you small and playing it safe. You’re too scattered to focus on the high-impact activities that actually move the needle in your business.
Your team can feel your stress energy, which affects their performance and might even cause good people to leave. You’re not showing up authentically in your marketing because you’re in your head instead of your heart, which makes it harder to connect with your ideal clients.
And here’s the kicker – you’re probably working more hours but getting less done because a dysregulated nervous system makes you way less efficient. It’s like trying to run your business with a smartphone that’s constantly at 5% battery. Everything takes longer, nothing works quite right, and you’re always on the verge of shutting down.
The good news? You can absolutely turn this around, and it doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Let’s start with the basics that will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
First up: sleep. I know, I know, you’ve heard this a million times. But I’m not just talking about getting more sleep – I’m talking about getting quality sleep that actually restores your nervous system. This means 7-9 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep. Your brain literally cleanses itself of toxins during deep sleep, which is crucial for clear thinking and good decision-making.
Try getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning and dimming lights after sunset. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed. These simple changes can dramatically improve your sleep quality, which directly impacts your ability to show up as a strategic leader the next day.
Next, let’s talk about food. What you eat has a massive impact on your nervous system’s ability to stay regulated. High-quality, unprocessed foods give your brain the nutrients it needs to function optimally, while processed foods can actually contribute to nervous system dysregulation.
I’m not saying you need to become a health guru overnight, but start paying attention to how different foods make you feel. Do you crash after that afternoon donut? Do you feel more anxious after too much caffeine? Your body is giving you data – start listening to it.
Once you’ve got the foundation in place, there are some more sophisticated strategies that can really move the needle. One of my favorites is what scientists call “co-regulation.” This is basically using your environment to help regulate your nervous system.
Spending time in nature is incredibly powerful for this. I’m talking about slow walks in the park where you’re actually paying attention to what’s around you – the trees, the sky, the sounds. This isn’t just nice relaxation; it’s actively helping your nervous system shift into a state that supports strategic thinking and creativity.
Another game-changer is learning to work with your body’s natural stress response instead of fighting it. When you notice stress rising, instead of pushing through or ignoring it, take a moment to actually feel what’s happening in your body. Where do you feel the tension? What does your breathing look like? This simple awareness can help your nervous system start to regulate itself.
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. When you have a well-regulated nervous system, you gain what I call a strategic competitive advantage. You can think clearly under pressure. You can sustain energy without burning out. You can adapt your strategies as markets change instead of getting stuck in old patterns that aren’t working.
This translates directly to better business outcomes. You make higher-quality decisions because you’re not operating from fear or reactivity. You show up more authentically in your marketing, which helps you attract better clients. You have the mental space to see opportunities that your stressed-out competitors are missing.
Your team performs better because they’re not absorbing your stress energy. Your client relationships improve because you’re more present and emotionally regulated. You can focus on the high-impact activities that actually grow your business instead of getting caught up in busy work.
And here’s something most people don’t talk about: when your nervous system is regulated, you can actually handle more success. Growth requires adaptability and resilience, and those are nervous system functions. If your system is already maxed out from chronic stress, you literally can’t handle the next level of your business.
Look, I get it. This might feel like one more thing to add to your already overwhelming to-do list. But here’s the thing – this isn’t actually adding more to your plate. This is about optimizing the system that runs everything else in your business: you.
Start with one thing. Maybe it’s committing to better sleep for the next two weeks. Maybe it’s taking a five-minute walk outside between calls. Maybe it’s just noticing when you feel stressed instead of pushing through it automatically.
The entrepreneurs who thrive in the long term aren’t the ones who can work the most hours or handle the most stress. They’re the ones who understand that peak performance starts with a well-regulated nervous system. And in a world where everyone is stressed and scattered, showing up regulated and strategic isn’t just good for your health – it’s your secret weapon for building a business that actually sustains you while you sustain it.
Your nervous system and your bottom line are more connected than you ever imagined. The question is: are you ready to start tuning in?