How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll deal with this later”?
Maybe it was after another night of tossing and turning, unable to quiet the relentless thoughts.
Maybe it was in the middle of yet another day where you’re running on fumes, trying to do all the things but feeling like you’re barely holding it together. 😥
Or maybe it was when you felt that pang of regret for skipping out on something – a trip, a big goal, even a simple hangout – because you just didn’t have the energy.
I get it. Life feels overwhelming enough as it is.
Adding one more thing – even if it’s something that could truly help you get out of the cycle of exhaustion and regret – can feel impossible.
And the cost of healing 💰? That just feels like another reason to push it to “later.”
But here’s the thing: not investing in healing your brain and nervous system has costs, too – and they’re adding up every single day. 💰💰💰
Before we dive into the financial, emotional/social and career costs, let’s look at the toll it’s taking on your energy – because that’s the foundation of everything else.
The Energetic Costs of Staying Stuck
1. Poor Sleep That Never Lets You Fully Recharge 😴
If you’re struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling like you’ve actually rested, it’s no surprise you’re running on empty.
Sleep isn’t just about physical rest; it’s when your brain and body repair themselves.
Without it, your patience wears thin, your focus goes out the window, and even the smallest tasks feel monumental.
That lack of sleep ripples out into every part of your day.
You might find yourself snapping at your kids or partner over little things. Work feels harder than it should. And the idea of exercising or prepping a healthy meal? Forget it.
And all of that frustration and exhaustion? It just feeds the cycle of poor sleep, keeping you stuck.
2. Emotional Drain That Leaves You Feeling Empty 💔
When your brain and nervous system are dysregulated, you’re constantly battling an internal storm.
The negative self-talk, the overwhelm, the guilt about not doing “enough”… it’s exhausting.
You’re putting out so much energy just to survive the day, there’s nothing left for joy, creativity, or even connection with others.
Think about how much of your time and energy goes into just coping.
That endless scroll on your phone, the Netflix binges, or the extra glass of wine at night – those are your nervous system crying out for relief.
But do those “quick fixes” actually fix anything?
3. The Opportunity Cost of Stagnation ⏳
Every year you spend stuck in this cycle is a year where your goals, dreams, and relationships stay on hold.
Maybe you’ve been wanting to launch that side business, take up a hobby that lights you up, or just feel present and alive in your daily life again.
But when you’re trapped in survival mode, those things feel out of reach – not because you’re not capable, but because your energy is spent just getting through the day.
And the truth is, time isn’t something we can get back.
What is the cost of another year, another five years, of feeling this way?
What would it be worth to wake up tomorrow feeling calm, focused, and genuinely excited about what’s ahead?
How These Energetic Costs Spill Into Every Area of Life
What starts with depleted energy doesn’t stay there.
Because here’s the truth: when your tank is empty, everything else takes a hit.
4. The Financial Costs 💸
Maybe you’ve been spending hundreds (or thousands) on temporary fixes. Supplements, self-help books, spa days, apps for sleep or stress… they help for a minute, but the relief doesn’t last.
Or maybe you’ve had to take time off work because your body just couldn’t keep going.
Burnout and stress-related health issues aren’t just physically painful; they’re expensive 🏥.
And here’s the kicker: when you’re not functioning at your best, you’re also missing out on opportunities to grow your income. Whether it’s a promotion, starting a side hustle, or simply staying consistent at your job, the financial impact of staying stuck is bigger than it might seem.
5. The Emotional and Social Costs 🫂
Feeling stuck in patterns of dysregulation can create a deep sense of hopelessness – like being trapped, disconnected from yourself and others, and unable to move forward or truly heal.
And when your nervous system is dysregulated, it’s hard to connect with others – even the people you love most.
Maybe you’re quick to snap at your kids or your partner. Maybe you’re avoiding friends because you just don’t have the energy to show up. Over time, those little moments of disconnection can add up, leaving you feeling isolated and guilty.
And the relationships that matter most to you?
They feel harder and harder to maintain.
6. The Career Costs 🚀
Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and constantly distracted makes it tough to stay focused and get things done, leaving you stressed and pushing your goals further out of reach.
Frequent anxiety, irritability, or emotional ups and downs can impact how others perceive you at work, potentially straining professional relationships or trust.
Imposter syndrome is another way dysregulation shows up. You might second-guess yourself constantly, hold back from speaking up, or avoid going after bigger opportunities because you’re afraid you’ll fail.
That keeps you stuck in a cycle of doing less than you’re truly capable of – and deep down, you know it.
The promotion you want, the project that could elevate your career, the recognition you deserve… it all feels just out of reach.
What Happens When You Invest in Your Healing
Now, imagine this:
🌟 You wake up after a full, restful night of sleep, ready to tackle the day with clarity and focus.
🌟 You feel calm, present, and able to enjoy time with your family without snapping or withdrawing.
🌟 You finally have the energy to work toward that big goal, whether it’s advancing in your career, building stronger relationships, or pursuing something you’re passionate about.
This isn’t just wishful thinking.
It’s what happens when you give your brain and nervous system the tools they need to heal and regulate.
Embodied Neurofeedback helps you address the root causes of these struggles, so you can break free from the cycles that are keeping you stuck.
The Bottom Line
The truth is, healing costs something (in the short-term) – but so does staying stuck.
The difference is, one of these choices moves you closer to the life you want.
The other keeps you right where you are, paying in time, energy, money, and missed opportunities every single day.
It’s short-term cost with long-term gain vs. long-term cost with long-term loss. (I’m no economist but…🤔)
If you’re ready to stop “powering through” and start thriving, let’s talk.
Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s explore how Embodied Neurofeedback can help you reclaim your energy, your time, and your life.
Because, the future you’ve been envisioning? It’s so worth it. 💃🏽
Whatever else you choose to do today…
Stay Curious! ✨
Naomi Iguchi, PhD, LCP, BCN, RYT
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