TV Presenter and women’s health advocate Cherry Healey looks at the rise of ‘nervous system fitness‘ and how we all need to calm it down — plus, her favourite products and top tips on how to do it.
Words: Cherry Healey. Image of Cherry: Rosie Parsons. Other images: Pexels, various brands.
You know how the most annoying thing in the whole world is when someone tells you to calm down? Well, here I am, about to tell you to calm down.
Apologies in advance, I promise the motivation is to add to your life rather than give you a reason to poke me with a stick.
There was a time when being healthy meant eating a salad while standing up, squeezing in a HIIT class that made you question your life choices, and wearing exhaustion like a badge of honour. If you weren’t busy, were you even trying?
Fast forward to now, and women everywhere are quietly realising something radical: maybe we’re not lazy, broken or unmotivated – maybe our nervous systems are just absolutely fried.
Welcome to the rise of nervous system fitness. It’s the wellness trend that isn’t about doing more, but about finally letting your body feel safe enough to breathe.
So… what is nervous system fitness? Think of your nervous system as the control centre that decides whether you’re in go mode or rest-and-repair mode. It’s constantly scanning for danger – velociraptors, tricky emails, deadlines, family logistics, the news, WhatsApp voice notes longer than 30 seconds – and responding accordingly.
When it senses threat (real or perceived), it flips you into fight-or-flight mode. Helpful if you’re being chased by something that wants to barbecue you but not helpful if you’re just trying to fall asleep or digest your lunch.
Mindful movement
Nervous system fitness is about training your body to switch out of constant alert mode and back into calm. Not once while on holiday. Not only during yoga classes. But regularly, deliberately, and without needing to “earn” it. Here’s the thing: many women today aren’t stressed in obvious, dramatic ways.
We’re not necessarily crying on the kitchen floor (although, no judgement if you are). We’re just wired and tired. You might recognise it. Do you feel exhausted but can’t switch off? Does your brain feel buzzy even when you’re lying still? Maybe you feel oddly flat, snappy or emotionally numb? This isn’t a motivation problem.
It’s a nervous system stuck in survival mode. And the bonus ball? You can eat perfectly, exercise religiously, meditate occasionally and still feel off if your system never gets the signal that it’s safe to rest. For years, the solution to feeling rubbish was simple: just try harder. More steps. More sweat. More discipline.
But many women are discovering that smashing themselves with intense workouts while already stressed is like revving a car engine that’s flashing every warning light.
Nervous system fitness doesn’t mean never exercising – it means choosing movement that soothes rather than spikes. Walking, strength training with long rests, Pilates, stretching, slow swimming. Things that leave you feeling grounded, not shaky and ravenous. Suddenly, “gentle” doesn’t mean weak. It means smart.
Simple ways to up your nervous system fitness
The good news is that nervous system fitness isn’t expensive, time-consuming or smug. Some of the most effective tools are almost laughably simple. Longer exhales tell your body it’s safe.
Walking without headphones encourages your brain to notice your surroundings and see that you are safe. Humming or singing have also been shown to help calm – potentially embarrassing at work but biologically calming for the person doing it.
And, cold water on your face is a quick, fuss-free way to get a small ice-plunge benefit without having to take your trousers off. These aren’t productivity hacks. They’re signals. Each one quietly tells your nervous system: ‘You can stand down now.’ And this is more important than ever in midlife.
Hormonal changes, cumulative stress, and years of “pushing through” mean that many women hit their 40s and 50s wondering why what used to work suddenly doesn’t.
Your body isn’t betraying you. It’s asking for a different approach. When your nervous system feels supported, everything else becomes easier: sleep improves, cravings calm down, moods stabilise, motivation returns.
Not because you forced it – but because your body finally has the capacity. So, if your idea of self-care used to be another intense workout or a sugar fix, maybe it’s time to try something different. The strongest thing you might do this year? Teaching your nervous system how to relax.
Cherry picks…
Three easy fixes to treat your nervous system to a little self-care.
– Manifesto Serene Gummies (£39, cultbeauty.co.uk)
These delicious mood and hormone gummies contain KSM-66, ashwagandha and vitamin D3 to support from the inside out. I have to actively try not to eat too many as they are pretty tasty.
– Zara Scent in Ebony Wood (£35.99, zara.com)
This collaboration between Jo Malone and Zara is fabulous. I love so many of them, but the Ebony Wood is smoky and sexy and comes in a perfect size for your handbag. Win win!
– Vitamin Well Antioxidant (£39.25 pack of 12, amazon.co.uk)
This peachy, fresh, low sugar drink is a great way to get a little vitamin boost while keeping an eye on your hydration, with antioxidants, vitamins C and E, plus minerals selenium, manganese and zinc. Best served ice cold with a slice of lemon if you’re feeling fancy.
Connect with Cherry at instagram.com/cherryhealey
