How I Learned to Discharge Energy and Reset My Nervous System

For years, I struggled with insomnia, brain fog, a racing mind, and an overloaded nervous system. I tried to relax, meditate, journal—even stretched before bed. And while those things helped a little, something was still missing.

Then one quiet afternoon, it hit me:

I wasn’t discharging my energy. I was carrying it.
Every. Single. Day.

Stress, stimulation, emotion—even joy—was staying trapped in my body with nowhere to go. I’m naturally high-energy, and I need to release what builds up. Without that release, I was spinning instead of resting, tense instead of clear, wired instead of well.

What Changed Everything

Instead of trying to calm down first, I began moving energy out.
Daily. Intentionally. Based on how I felt.

I didn’t need a gym. I didn’t need perfection. I needed outlets.

The Energy Discharge List

Choose Based on Your Intensity Level

Each activity below is a tool to help your body and nervous system complete a stress cycle. You don’t need a lot of time—just consistency and intention.

High-Intensity Discharge

For when you’re buzzing, restless, or overcharged.
(Suggested time: 5–30 minutes)

• Rebounder session (jumping)
• Freestyle dance (wild, expressive)
• Strength training
• Stationary bike (fast/interval)
• Jump Rope
• Shakeout (full-body trembling)
• Cardio bursts (jumping jacks, shadowboxing)
• Vocal release (pillow scream, belting music)
• Laughter (forced or real—it works!)
• Cold shower or face splash
• Rhythmic clapping/body percussion

Moderate-Intensity Discharge

For when you’re emotionally processing or mentally tense.
(Suggested time: 5–30 minutes)

• Flow-style yoga
• Taijichuan (Yang style)
• Brisk or mindful walking
• Gentle rebounder bounce
• Breathwork (Wim Hof, box breathing)
• Creative dance
• Singing or humming
• EFT tapping (acupressure points)
• Visualization while moving

Gentle Grounding & Reset

For when you need to soothe, restore, and recalibrate.
(Suggested time: 2–30 minutes)

• Deep breathing (long exhales)
• Seated or lying meditation
• Stretching with blocks
• Floor rest / legs-up-the-wall
• Journaling (emotional or brain dump)
• Barefoot grounding
• Hot bath or sauna
• Self-massage
• Gentle visualizations
• Cozy quiet time (soft music, no screens)

Start Where You Are

You don’t need to do everything. You don’t even need to do it “right.” Just pick one thing and start.

Let your body lead.
Let the energy move.

This isn’t about discipline. It’s about release.
And you don’t need permission.

~ Maggie Hernandez-Knight