[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
What it is, why it matters to women in St. George, UT, and how to take care of it — in plain English.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Are You In St. George, UT And Feeling Anxious?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Do you ever feel like your anxiety just won’t shut off, no matter how hard you try to stay calm? Like your body’s stuck in “go-go-go” mode, even when your mind knows it’s safe?
If that sounds familiar — especially if you’re a woman living in Southern Utah where the summers are intense and the to-do lists never end — I want to introduce you to something that could help.
It’s called your vagus nerve — and no, it has nothing to do with Las Vegas.
The vagus nerve has been having a moment. Instagram coaches by the hundreds have been posting all about the nerve. With all the enthusiasm of a Starbucks barista, they are eager to tell you all its special features: it calms you, it heals you, it changes your life…. And they’re not wrong (but they’re also not licensed therapists). Let’s take a moment to break down the vagus nerve basics: what it is, why it matters, and how ignoring it might be keeping you stuck in your anxiety.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ced2f94c/appointment/76124480/calendar/11791995″ button_text=”BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION NOW” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”postButton” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35736F” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” button_text_size_tablet=”14px” button_text_size_phone=”8px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_heading title=”Anxious in St. George, UT – Push This Button” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
You have a “calm button” inside you — it’s called the vagus nerve The vagus nerve is like a secret wire that runs from your brain all the way down to your stomach. It connects to your heart, lungs, and even your face.
Think of it like your body’s “chill out” switch.
When your vagus nerve is working well, you feel:
- Calm but alert
- Clear-headed
- Steady and grounded
- Like you can take a long, easy deep breath
But when it’s not working well — maybe because of stress, trauma, or being on the go
all the time — you might feel:
- Anxious or on edge
- Nauseous or tight in your chest
- Like it’s hard to breathe or relax
- Stuck in overthinking
I love to think in pictures, and when I imagine the vagus nerve, I imagine it like a wire running from my gut to my brain. But I also like to imagine it as a dimmer switch in my dining room.
When the dimmer switch is working well, I can easily and subtly change how much stimulation I need. I can go from a soft glow to a functional bright light when needed. But when the dimmer switch has been stressed out (let’s say my kids have been slamming it up and down), it loses its ability to adjust subtly. The light might flicker inappropriately, or it might get stuck in the ON or OFF position, causing me to be ‘lit up’ at times when I want to relax. Similarly, when you’ve been stressed, exposed to traumatic events, or burned out (on work, parenting, or life) you can feel anxious and on edge all the time.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://guidedwellnesscounselingut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/St.-George-UT-woman-overcomes-anxiety-and-smiles-scaled.jpg” alt=”Two people embracing, showing affection.” title_text=”St. George UT woman overcomes anxiety and smiles” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Anxiety Isn’t “All in Your Head” — It’s in Your Nervous System” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]
If you live in Southern Utah, you already know: it’s hot, it’s busy, and many women here are juggling a lot — family, work, community, and faith (or not).
Burnout and anxiety can start to feel like your normal. But here’s the truth:
Anxiety often comes from a nervous system that’s stuck in survival mode — not from you being weak, dramatic, or doing life wrong.
The vagus nerve helps turn off survival mode when the danger is over. But if you’ve had chronic stress or trauma, it might need some extra care to work properly again.
As a licensed counselor who provides therapy to women in St. George, UT, I see women all the time who share with us how this ‘survival mode’ shows up for them. My team and I often hear women who report:
- They experienced childhood sexual abuse decades ago, but still struggle with intrusive thoughts and negative feelings during intimacy with their loving, trusted partner.
- Not ‘fitting in’ with their family or peers in their youth, and now they carry the “crazy thoughts” that they are hard to love (despite having lots of friends).
- Parenting is so much harder than they thought. They feel reactive and “fly off the handle” when their children misbehave.
- Feeling overstimulated and sensitive to noise, touch, and basic requests.
- Difficulty sleeping at night due to racing thoughts, restlessness, or inability to “turn off.”
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ced2f94c/appointment/76124480/calendar/11791995″ button_text=”BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION NOW” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”postButton” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35736F” button_border_radius=”21px” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” button_text_size_tablet=”14px” button_text_size_phone=”8px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_heading title=”Strengthen Your Vagus Nerve To Reduce Anxiety” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
The good news? You can actually train your vagus nerve to calm down faster and more often.
This is sometimes called “toning” the vagus nerve—like giving your body a calmness workout. (If you like the dimmer switch metaphor, imagine removing the outlet plate, tightening or loosening the wires, and applying some WD-40 to the switch.)
Here are some easy ways to tone your vagus nerve:
- Slow, deep breathing
- Humming, singing, or chanting
- Splashing cold water on your face
- Gentle movement (like walking, tai chi, or yoga)
- Spending time with people who make you feel safe (not just social)
Even doing just one of these a day can help your vagus nerve remember how to relax.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://guidedwellnesscounselingut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/St.-George-UT-mom-manages-parenting-stress-scaled.jpg” alt=”Two people embracing, showing affection.” title_text=”St. George, UT mom manages parenting stress” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”How To Strengthen Your Vagus Nerve” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Oh… my Southern Utah friends…If you’ve ever told yourself to just breathe or stop worrying and it didn’t work… That’s not your fault.
Your nervous system doesn’t respond to force — it responds to signals of safety. Just look at the list above where we mention spending time with people who make you feel safe.
That’s why vagus nerve care is so powerful. It’s not about “mind over matter” — it’s about giving your body little reminders that you’re not in danger anymore.
When your body believes you’re safe, your mind starts to believe it too. All too often, we try to convince ourselves that we’re safe. We practice affirmations, gratitude, and journaling. And these are all good – but they don’t speak to the body. The body needs experiences: safe movement, safe relationships, safe experiences.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Women in Southern Utah Deserve to Feel Calm and Connected — Not Just “Get Through” the Day” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Between the heat, the pressure to do it all, and how women are often expected to put themselves last… No wonder so many women in our area feel anxious, exhausted, and stretched thin!
But here’s the thing: Your anxiety isn’t a sign that you’re broken. It’s a sign your nervous system is overwhelmed and asking for support.
Taking care of your vagus nerve isn’t a luxury. It’s a form of emotional first aid. It helps you show up with more patience, more energy, and more of yourself — not just the version of you that’s powering through.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://guidedwellnesscounselingut.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/St.-George-UT-woman-manages-stress-by-hiking-scaled.jpg” alt=”Two people embracing, showing affection.” title_text=”St. George UT woman manages stress by hiking” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Therapy In St. George, Utah Can Help | 84790″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
You don’t need to take cold plunges or change your whole life overnight.
You just need to start with one signal of safety.
Maybe it’s a slower breath.
Maybe it’s stepping into the shade.
Maybe it’s choosing rest without guilt or shame.
And if you want support learning how to reset your nervous system with compassion and
science-backed tools, I’d be honored to help.
Because you deserve more than “getting by.” You deserve to feel safe in your own body again. Let’s let go of feeling like you are vibrating, constantly irritable and overwhelmed, or like the past has stuck with you for far too long. Therapy can help.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/ced2f94c/appointment/76124480/calendar/11791995″ button_text=”BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION NOW” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”postButton” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#35736F” custom_margin=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px||20px||true|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” button_text_size_tablet=”14px” button_text_size_phone=”8px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Your next step is calling for a complimentary phone consultation. Let’s talk about how you’re feeling, what your goals are, what’s worked (or not worked) so far, and answer any questions you have about therapy. Honestly, I love doing these consultation calls and matching you to the best therapist on our team for your unique needs and goals. Let’s get started, my friend.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]