Regulation Is Not Relaxation Here’s the Difference

Written By Watson's Wellness Center

Why Relaxation Often Fails

Relaxation assumes your nervous system is already safe.

It works best when your system can naturally shift into a calmer state. For a regulated nervous system, rest restores energy.

For an overloaded nervous system, rest can feel:

  • Uncomfortable

  • Agitating

  • Unsafe

  • Boring in a distressing way

  • Mentally loud instead of quiet

This is why sitting still can increase anxiety, why vacations feel exhausting, and why “doing nothing” does not recharge you.

Your nervous system is not ready to relax yet.

Watson's Wellness Center

I’m Elena Watson, Ed.D., an educator, leader, and life coach with more than 25 years of experience helping people grow, learn, and thrive.

I earned my doctorate in educational leadership from Walden University and a master’s in special education from the University of San Diego. My career has included serving as a director of special education, school principal, and university educator, where I guided teachers, parents, and students toward success. I also co-founded ABC4IEP LLC, an organization dedicated to supporting families and schools in navigating the special education process.

Along the way, I have continued to expand my skills with certifications in dialectic behavior therapy (DBT) skills training, neurolinguistic programming (NLP) practitioners, grief coaching, and neurodiversity coaching. These tools allow me to support people in life transitions with both practical strategies and compassionate guidance.

Today, through Watson’s Wellness Center, I bring together my background in leadership, psychology, and education to offer digital resources and coaching that empower individuals to endure, evolve, and excel.

https://www.2thriveagain.com
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