How do our Natural cycles regulate and why?
We often think of wellbeing as something fixed — a goal we reach and then hold onto. But the truth is, our bodies and minds work in cycles. Sleep and wake. Rest and activity. Stress and recovery. Regulation isn’t about staying the same; it’s about moving through rhythms in a way that sustains us.
Why Cycles Matter
When we honour our natural cycles — sleep, appetite, energy, emotions — we create stability. Disruptions, whether through stress, trauma, caring responsibilities, or conditions like ADHD, can throw us out of sync. The impact shows up in mood, concentration, and resilience.
Dysregulation and Mental Health
Dysregulation often feels like being out of rhythm with yourself. Sleep becomes irregular, emotions unpredictable, and energy either flat or scattered. Over time, this imbalance can fuel anxiety, low mood, or burnout.
Emotional Regulation
Just as we need consistent sleep or nourishment, our emotions need space to rise and settle. Emotional regulation isn’t about never feeling stressed or sad — it’s about recognising what’s happening in the moment and responding with care.
When regulation falters, emotions can swing sharply or feel overwhelming. You might find yourself snapping at small things, struggling to concentrate, or shutting down completely — all signs your system needs gentler rhythms.
Learning to regulate means:
- Noticing the signals early – tension, racing thoughts, irritability.
- Creating pauses – before reacting — grounding, breathing, or simply naming what you feel.
- Choosing softer responses – rather than being carried away by the first impulse.
Therapy can be a safe place to practise this — slowing things down, understanding patterns, and finding new ways to respond.
Re-establishing Regulation
Here are three areas where small, steady steps can begin to restore balance:
- Sleep cycles — keeping consistent times for winding down and waking up. You can learn about sleep hygiene here.
- Daily rhythm — balancing responsibility with moments of pause.
- Emotional regulation – noticing signals of overwhelm and gently resetting. Learn some useful techniques for emotional regulation.
Therapy can provide a space to notice where rhythms have been lost and to explore ways of regaining balance.
Regulation isn’t perfection. It’s the steady return to balance when life knocks us off course.
Balance is what we need in life, and it’s not just a one time thing, it’s constantly adapting, and that in theory is what regulation is.
Static or Active?
Our wellbeing doesn’t come from staying still, but from moving through cycles with awareness. By respecting our rhythms — physical, mental, and emotional — we create room for recovery, renewal, and growth.
What rhythms in your life feel steady right now? Which ones might need a gentler reset? By respecting our cycles — physical, mental, and emotional — we create space for recovery, renewal, and growth.
