Episode Details
Back to EpisodesEp. 16 RV Life & Travel Series: Nervous System Regulation on the Road: How Full-Time RV Travel Disrupts Your Circadian Rhythm
Description
In this raw and real episode of Traveling Towards Wealth, host Sarah Jones shines a light on a topic rarely discussed in the RV and travel community: nervous system dysregulation. Drawing from her own lifelong experience with anxiety and living in a constant state of fight-or-flight, Sarah shares how the full-time RV lifestyle - filled with ever-changing time zones, climates, elevations, and even the direction her front door faces - has a profound impact on her circadian rhythm and overall well-being.
Sarah candidly details the symptoms she’s faced: restless sleep, vivid dreams, morning bloating, stubborn weight, and a persistent sense of unease. The breakthrough? Realizing that the very adventure she loves is also a major stressor for her nervous system, constantly throwing her body off balance much like a never-ending daylight saving time shift.
She breaks down the science in simple terms, explaining the roles of the parasympathetic (rest and digest) and sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous systems, and how chronic stress disrupts hormones like cortisol and insulin. Most importantly, Sarah shares the practical steps she’s taking to regulate her nervous system - offering hope, validation, and actionable ideas for anyone feeling similarly “off” in their own journey.
What You Will Learn
- Why nervous system dysregulation is a hidden challenge for full-time RV travelers - and why it’s rarely talked about.
- How constant changes in time zones, direction, and environment disrupt your circadian rhythm and can leave you feeling anxious, tired, and out of sync.
- The difference between your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems - and what happens when you’re stuck in survival mode.
- How Sarah uses frankincense essential oil behind her ears (on the vagus nerve) to activate a sense of calm and safety - plus the life-changing results she’s experienced after six weeks.
- The importance of upping electrolytes and magnesium to support nervous system health, improve sleep, and regulate stress.
- Why increasing fiber intake matters for gut health and its connection to mood and anxiety.
- The grounding power of walking barefoot in dirt or grass - and how even a few minutes a day can help reset your system.
- How stretching in the morning and calming yoga before bed can signal safety to your body and improve sleep quality.
- The benefits of getting sunlight and movement (steps) early in the day to anchor your circadian rhythm.
- Other modalities Sarah plans to add: breathwork, tapping (EFT), and visualization.
- Why she paused gym workouts to reduce stress and support her healing journey.
- Early results: deeper sleep, less anxiety, a quieter mind, and waking up without bloating.
Ready to take your first step?
Book your FREE call with Sarah:
👉 Schedule your free call today
Connect with Sarah and keep the conversation going:
- Instagram: @KeepingUpWithTheJonesesFC
- Facebook: Sarah Jones
- Website: Traveling Towards Wealth
Subscribe and review the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - your support helps others find the show and join our journey!