How to Support Your Body as a Highly Tuned (Neurospicy) Human
How to Support Your Body as a Highly Tuned (Neurospicy) Human
“Neurodivergence” is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide spectrum of cognitive and sensory functioning that differs from the so-called “neurotypical” conditioning shaped by capitalist, patriarchal norms. Commonly recognized forms of neurodivergence include:
Autism – observable, unique communication and sensory processing styles
ADHD – observable ranges of attention, focus, and executive function
Dyslexia (there are 7 types!) – influencing reading, writing and more
Dyspraxia – variants of motor coordination patterning
Neurodivergence is not a rigid category—it exists along an infinite spectrum of human experience. Honoring diverse ways of thinking, learning, and processing the world is essential. Instead of pathologizing or reducing folks to deficits according to an established norm, we should work with their unique gifts and needs rather than against them.
Common Challenges Neurodivergent Folks Face
Many neurodistinct individuals experience:
Sensory Sensitivities – Heightened or reduced responses to textures, temperatures, flavors, sounds, and lights.
Executive Dysfunction – Challenges with organization, forgetfulness, or establishment of basic needs (e.g., eating, sleeping, hygiene) according to what is expected.
Dopamine-Seeking Behaviors – Relyiance on high-sugar or carb-heavy foods for energy boost, impulsive decision-making, or habit formation difficulties.
Supporting your body as a neurodivergent person means adapting to what works for you rather than forcing yourself into neurotypical standards. Below are practical strategies that have helped me navigate life in a fast-paced, capitalist society.
Dopamine & Blood Sugar Balance
Dopamine plays a huge role in motivation, focus, and impulse control, and it’s often dysregulated in ADHD. One way the body naturally seeks dopamine is through sugar consumption—foods high on the glycemic index quickly spike dopamine levels, providing a temporary sense of pleasure.
However, chronic sugar consumption can desensitize dopamine receptors, making it harder to experience motivation and impulse control over time. Blood sugar spikes and crashes also exacerbate brain fog, energy dips, and mood swings.
Building habits to Support Dopamine Naturally:
Pair protein with every meal/snack – Helps stabilize blood sugar and sustain energy.
Try: Swapping high-sugar snacks with protein + fiber combos (e.g., apples + nut butter, eggs + avocado, or hummus + wholesome crackers).
Prioritize fiber & healthy fats – Slows down glucose absorption, preventing sugar crashes.
Experiment with glucose-balancing strategies – I personally love @glucosegoddess for practical tips.
Eating foods in alignment with the change of seasons - this goes beyond knowing what natural foods growing during the current time of year. Food temperature, texture and energetics are very important.
Physical Movement for Nervous System Regulation
Movement isn’t just about “exercise” in a conventional sense—it’s about supporting the animal body through play, rhythm, and natural energy flow. Regular, enjoyable movement:
Stimulates the vagus nerve → promoting a parasympathetic (relaxed) state
Regulates dopamine & serotonin → improving focus, mood, and emotional balance
Moves stagnant energy & stress → preventing burnout and overwhelm
Encourages healthy play → a basic need all people have.
Ways to Incorporate Movement Daily:
🌿 Micro-movements: Take 5-15 minute breaks to shake, dance, or stretch between work/study.
🌊 Deep breathing as movement: Deep belly breathing, sighing, or even humming to reset the nervous system.
🎶 Rhythmic motion: Walking, drumming, or rocking can help regulate sensory overwhelm.
Try: Setting a timer for movement breaks to prevent hyperfocus fatigue. Get up and move when focus and energy is beginning to drop!
One thing I learned from my mentor is to move my animal body - making instinctual noises and moving in a way that allows my inner animal to feel free and expressive.
Sleep as a Form of Nourishment
Sleep is one of the most underrated tools for nervous system regulation. Sleep is powerful medicine.
Some things to consider:
Females often need more sleep—your biology isn't "lazy."
Listening to your body’s wind-down cues and committing to a consistent bedtime rhythm - this is non-negotiable!
Herbs & somatic practices 🌿 (e.g., Passionflower, Valerian, Milky Oats magnesium, weighted blankets) can help with sleep dysregulation.
Belly breathing for 5-10 minutes in bed - I’ve found this extremely effective to unwind and prep my body for sleep mode.
Try: Using red light, blue blocker glasses or dim lighting before bed to signal melatonin production naturally.
Regulating Overload & Stress (HPA Axis Support)
The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is the body’s stress response system—often constantly dysregulated in a world that doesn’t accommodate highly attuned nervous systems.
Tools to Support HPA Regulation:
🌿 Botanical Allies:
Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi) help build resilience to stress.
Nervines (passionflower, skullcap, oatstraw) calm the overactive nervous system.
🌬 Vagus Nerve Activation:
Receptive breathing: Slow, intentional exhales (longer than inhales) help signal safety to the body.
Humming & singing: Vibrates the vagus nerve, shifting the nervous system into rest-and-digest mode.
Try: Ending your day with a tea ritual (chamomile + lemon balm + tulsi) while humming along to soothing music.
Final Thoughts: Honoring Your Body’s Unique Rhythms
Thriving as a neurospicy person isn’t about forcing yourself to fit into neurotypical molds—it’s about learning what works for your specific nervous system and creating structures that support your well-being. When you give yourself the gift of consistency and care, your spicy gifts receive the room to expand and serve the world!
✨ You deserve care, nourishment, and liberation. Your body isn’t something to be “fixed.” It’s an ecosystem that needs tending, not control. ✨
