
Is Your Nervous System Stuck in Survival Mode?
Your nervous system is designed to help you respond to stress, but when it gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode, it can leave you feeling anxious, tense, and exhausted. This quick survey will help you recognize whether your body is holding onto stress in a way that disrupts your well-being.
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Answer honestly—this is for your awareness and healing. If your results show signs of nervous system dysregulation, you may benefit from my gentle yet powerful nervous system care. My light-touch chiropractic work is a subtle, transformative modality that helps you release stored tension, reconnect with yourself, and step into a more resilient, joyful life.
Stress-survey
Determine if Your Nervous System is Stuck in a Survival Mode
Stress and nervous system dysregulation can manifest in many ways. This survey will help you assess whether your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Answer each question honestly based on your experience in the past few weeks.
Instructions:
For each statement, rate how often it applies to you:
• 0 - Never
• 1 - Occasionally
• 2 - Often
• 3 - Almost Always
Survey Questions
____1. I feel tense or on edge, even when there’s no immediate danger.
____2. I have difficulty relaxing, even when I try to unwind.
____3. My heart races, or I feel short of breath without physical exertion.
____4. I experience frequent muscle tightness, jaw clenching, or headaches.
____5. My digestion feels off (e.g., bloating, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea).
____6. I struggle with falling asleep or wake up feeling unrested.
____7. Loud noises, crowds, or unexpected events make me feel overstimulated or jumpy.
____8. I have trouble focusing or remembering things, even simple tasks.
____9. I often feel irritable, impatient, or easily frustrated.
____10. I have a hard time trusting that everything will be okay.
____11. I feel the need to stay constantly busy or productive, even when I’m exhausted.
____12. I experience sudden waves of anxiety or dread without a clear cause.
____13. My body feels exhausted, but my mind won’t slow down.
____14. I have frequent cravings for sugar, caffeine, or other stimulants to keep me going.
____15. I avoid slowing down or resting because it makes me uncomfortable.
____16. I frequently feel like I need to be “on guard” or hyperaware of my surroundings.
____17. I get overwhelmed easily, especially in social or work situations.
____18. I feel disconnected from my body or struggle to feel fully present.
____19. I feel like I’m always rushing, even when there’s no real urgency.
____20. I wake up feeling anxious or already stressed before the day starts.
____21. I avoid deep breathing or slowing down because it feels uncomfortable.
____22. I experience frequent tension in my neck, shoulders, or lower back.
____23. I feel emotionally numb or disconnected from joy.
____24. I startle easily or react strongly to minor stressors.
____25. I feel like I’m “holding everything together” but could collapse at any moment.
Interpreting Your Results:
• 0-15: Your nervous system is likely well-regulated. You may experience stress, but you can return to balance.
• 16-30: You may be experiencing mild nervous system dysregulation. Consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine and seeking nervous system support by a professional.
• 31-45: Your nervous system is likely in a heightened fight-or-flight state. Prioritizing nervous system healing could help.
• 46-75: Your body may be stuck in a more severe survival mode. Seeking support (e.g. Nervous System focused Chiropractic care) could help bring your system back to safety.
Sign up for a free Discovery Call with Dr Nicole to go over your results!
