The Biology of Overwhelm: Why Small Demands Feel Impossible

Many people feel constantly exhausted and easily overwhelmed, even when they're doing everything "right". They’re eating well, exercising, and trying to manage stress. They can't understand why small things overwhelm them so much or why they always feel so tired and stressed.  One simple email or a broken appliance can completely derail their day, leaving them feeling like they're barely keeping it together.

In this episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian explains how your body doesn't react to stress based on what's happening to you. It actually reacts based on whether you have enough energy left to handle it.

Think of your nervous system like a bank account. Every challenge, decision, or demand, no matter how small, takes energy out of your account. When you're already running low from everyday stressors, even tiny problems can push you into overwhelm and emotional shutdown.

This isn't about changing your mindset or trying harder. It's about understanding what's actually happening in your nervous system when you get overwhelmed by daily life, so you can start making small changes that add up to feeling stronger and more resilient. You'll hear more on:

• [3:52] The simple difference between life's demands and your energy to handle them
• [5:32] How small events can feel overwhelming
• [9:36] The daily energy "drains" that add up over time and quietly exhaust your system
• [11:51] What's actually happening in your body during shutdown and overwhelm
• [8:06] Why even good things (like travel or celebrations) can still drain your energy
• [17:11] How to build up your reserves so you're ready for unexpected challenges
• [19:33] Simple ways to reduce daily energy drains and add small "deposits" back to your system

Whether you're personally dealing with chronic exhaustion and burnout, or you're a practitioner helping clients who want better stress management techniques that actually work, this episode gives you practical action steps to start feeling better right away.

Resources/Guides:

• Biology of Trauma book - how the body experiences and holds fear, pain and overwhelm, and how to heal. Pre-order now and, at the time of this recording, you’ll get over $400 in bonuses included! Those bonuses are only for the pre-order window which goes until Sept 22, 2025.
• Foundational Journey - If you're ready to create a felt sense of safety in your body and experience the benefits of 26% decrease in daily physical pain, 28% decrease in sleep issues and digestive issues, 30% decrease in anxiety, depression, or want to learn how to do this for those you help - join me. 

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 96: Pain as Protection: Why Your Body Creates Chronic Pain & The 3 Questions to Ask to Release It with Georgia Oldfield
• Episode129: Why You're Still in Survival Mode (Even After Years of Therapy and Healing Work)

Related Youtube Videos: 

• The 2 Things Your Body Needs To Come Out Of The Freeze | Dr. Aimie Apigian

Disclaimer: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical, psychological, or mental health advice to treat any medical or psychological condition in yourself or others. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your own physician, therapist, psychiatrist, or other qualified health provider regarding any physical or mental health issues you may be experiencing. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Trauma Healing Accelerated, any guests or contributors to The Biology of Trauma® podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Trauma Healing Accelerated be responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of the content provided in this podcast.