Why a good night's sleep or a holiday may not always reset you properly, introducing the concept of allostatic load—the invisible wear and tear from chronic stress. We explain the body's traffic light system with green, yellow, red, and blue states to illustrate different levels of nervous system activation and how they affect your ability to recover. Learn the importance of distinguishing between challenges and threats to manage burnout and maintain clarity at work. Special attention is given to sensitive, neurodivergent, or trauma-aware nervous systems.

The episode provides steps to:

- Map your personal nervous system states and eliminate energy leaks.

- Know your safety cues and redesign daily transitions.

- Effectively pace your ambition and end your day on a green note.

00:00 Introduction to Allostatic Load

00:28 Understanding the Nervous System Traffic Light

00:52 Exploring the Four Nervous System States

02:11 The Concept of Allostatic Load

03:20 Impact of Allostatic Load on Daily Life

05:27 Managing Stress and Achieving Balance

08:17 Practical Steps for Nervous System Regulation

12:32 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Recommended episodes

235: Fertility over 35. What your nervous system wants you to know

41: How The Freeze (and Fawn) Response Sabotages Financial Freedom

39: How The Sympathetic Nervous System (Flight) Response Sabotages Financial Freedom

40: How The Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight) Response Sabotages Financial Freedom

Further Reading

McEwen, B. S., & Stellar, E. (1993). Stress and the individual. Archives of Internal Medicine.

McEwen, B. S. (1998). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. NEJM.

Access the full report here: https://sheridanruth.com/what-if-youre-not-the-problem/

This 5-week program helps thoughtful, sensitive, or neurodivergent professionals understand how their brain and body actually work — so they can rebuild focus, energy, and calm at work without pushing through.

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How it works:

• Short 30-min lesson on Monday
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• 5-min reflection on Thursday
• Optional live call on Friday
• → About 1.5–2.5 hours per week, at your own pace.

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