Rewiring the Brain for Resilience
Harnessing the Power of the Limbic System and Glimmers
Our brains are incredibly powerful, but sometimes that power works against us. The limbic system, which governs memory, emotions, and motivation, plays a central role in how we process stress and danger. At the core of this system is the amygdala, the brain’s “threat detector.” As the most primitive part of the brain, the amygdala
is wired for survival—its job is to keep us safe by responding to threats, whether real or imagined.
This is where negativity bias comes in. The amygdala’s job is to be on high alert for anything that might cause harm. In fact, it’s far more sensitive to negative information than positive because, for our ancestors, perceiving danger was key to survival. It’s better to overreact to a threat that isn’t there than to miss a real one. This explains why we tend to dwell on negative experiences or perceive more situations as threatening—they signal the potential for danger, and the amygdala kicks into action, triggering our fight-or-flight response.
For individuals living with chronic conditions, this hypervigilant state can be even more pronounced. When you’re managing a condition that affects your body daily—whether it’s autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, or something else—the brain often perceives this ongoing physical discomfort as a threat. The amygdala responds accordingly, activating the sympathetic nervous system to prepare the body for survival. The result? A nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight, even though no immediate danger is present. This creates a feedback loop of chronic stress, heightened inflammation, and worsening symptoms—leaving the body in a constant state of crisis.
Over time, this can have a significant impact on overall health. Prolonged stress from hyperactivation of the nervous system can worsen conditions like hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, and insulin resistance, and it can also contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. The sustained release of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) further increases inflammation, which is a driver behind many chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular problems. Without periods of parasympathetic activation—or “rest and digest” mode—the body remains in a state of wear and tear, leading to disease progression or making management difficult.
But here’s the good news: the brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to adapt and change—offers a way out of this cycle. Through practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, and limbic system retraining programs, it’s possible to shift out of chronic fight-or-flight mode. These techniques help calm the amygdala, reduce cortisol levels, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Over time, these practices rewire the brain, promoting a more balanced and resilient nervous system that can better handle stress and reduce inflammation.
A key practice I encourage in my coaching is seeking glimmers. While many of us are familiar with triggers—moments that activate our stress response—glimmers are the positive counterpart. Coined by Deb Dana, an expert in polyvagal theory, glimmers are small moments of joy, safety, and connection that signal to our nervous system that we’re safe. These tiny sparks—like feeling the warmth of the sun, hearing a loved one’s laughter, or smelling fresh coffee—counteract the amygdala’s tendency toward negativity and encourage calm.
For those living with chronic conditions, seeking glimmers is especially powerful. It not only helps disrupt the cycle of stress and pain but also rewires the brain to notice the positive in everyday life. By intentionally seeking glimmers, we train our nervous systems to move toward healing and balance—allowing the body to rest, recover, and ultimately feel more resilient.
This practice of seeking glimmers is an act of self-compassion—one that invites us to rewrite the narrative of stress and suffering, and instead, begin to experience magic in the everyday moments.
If you’re curious to learn more about the neuroscience of stress as it relates to burnout, join Millennial Burnout Coach Jayci Gibbs and I TODAY at 4pm PST / 7pm EST for our Masterclass on Overcoming Burnout: Reclaiming Energy & Confidence with Chronic Illness. Your ticket not only includes access to today’s webinar (as well as a replay link if you can’t attend live), but it also comes with a 30-page e-book on Beating Burnout, full of practical strategies you can begin to explore NOW. For a limited time, we might even sell a few remaining tickets at half off ($15)! Keep your eyes on my Instagram feed for more.
xoxo,
Lauren