Finding Your Off Switch
What is pendulation and how it can transform your ability to learn, focus, and succeed for students
Have you ever felt like you're stuck in "always on" mode? Like your brain is constantly buzzing with assignments, deadlines, social pressures, and that endless mental chatter that makes it hard to actually rest—even when you're lying in bed scrolling your phone?
There's a word for what your body naturally wants to do, but probably isn't getting to do enough: pendulation.
And understanding it might just change how you approach everything from studying to stress to actually feeling good in your own skin.
🌱 What Is Pendulation? (And Why Your Body Craves It)
Think of a pendulum swinging back and forth. That's exactly what your nervous system is designed to do—move between being "on" (alert, focused, maybe stressed) and being "off" (calm, restored, actually relaxed).
The "On" State: This is your sympathetic nervous system. It's what kicks in during tests, presentations, conflicts, or when you're rushing to meet a deadline. Your heart rate increases, your muscles tense, your mind races. This isn't bad—it's actually designed to help you perform.
The "Off" State: This is your parasympathetic nervous system—your "rest and digest" mode. This is when your body repairs itself, your mind clears, and you actually feel like yourself again.
Here's the problem: Most of us are stuck in the "on" position. We're like a guitar string wound too tight for too long—eventually, something's got to give.
📱 Why Doomscrolling Isn't Actually Rest
Before you protest—yes, we know you're "relaxing" when you're binge-watching or scrolling social media. But here's the thing:
Your nervous system doesn't know the difference between a math test and a TikTok video that makes you anxious about your life choices.
Both keep you in that "on" state.
Real rest—the kind that actually restores you—happens when you…
Feel safe in your body
Aren't processing information or making decisions
Allow your mind to genuinely quiet (not just get distracted)
🧠 Negative Effects of Avoiding Pendulation
When you're stuck in "always on" mode, you might notice…
Cognitive fog: Harder to concentrate, remember things, or think clearly
Emotional overwhelm: Small things feel huge, everything feels urgent
Physical tension: Tight shoulders, clenched jaw, shallow breathing
Sleep issues: Tired but wired, racing thoughts at bedtime
Motivation crashes: Procrastination, feeling stuck, lack of energy
Sound familiar? You're not broken—you're just stuck in one position on the pendulum.
🌿 Simple Ways to Pendulate (No Yoga Mat Required)
The good news? You can help your body pendulate with surprisingly simple practices…
The 5-Minute Reset
Find a wall and lie on the floor with your legs up against it
Just breathe normally and let gravity do its work
This literally changes your nervous system state
The Conscious Pause
Between classes or study sessions, take 3 deep breaths
Feel your feet on the ground
Ask yourself: "What does my body need right now?"
The Evening Pressure-Valve Release
Before bed, do something that helps you physically "shake off" the day
Gentle stretching, dancing to one song, or even just shaking your hands and arms
This helps your nervous system shift gears
The Morning Grounding
Start your day with 2 minutes of just being before jumping into doing
Sit at the edge of your bed and breathe
Set an intention for how you want to feel, not just what you want to accomplish
🎯 How This Changes Everything
When you learn to pendulate on purpose, you…
Study more effectively (a rested brain absorbs information better)
Handle stress with more resilience (you know how to come back down)
Feel more like yourself (not just a walking bundle of anxiety)
Sleep better (your body knows how to truly wind down)
Enjoy life more (you're present instead of always "on")
💭 Your Body Is Wise
Your body already knows how to pendulate—it's built into your nervous system. The question is: Are you giving it permission to do what it naturally wants to do?
This week, try one of the practices above. Notice what happens when you intentionally move from "on" to "off." Your body has been waiting for this invitation.
You deserve to feel good in your own skin. You deserve rest that actually restores you.
Let's transform exam season from a period of dread to an opportunity for beautiful learning.
Wishing you kind learning,
xo Deena
