*Even though I was incapacitated years ago, the first time I heard about capacity was this year from Ms. Raquel: "The Capacity Expert" having a High Lvl Conversation with Mr. 19 Keys.
The professionals called it chronic fatigue syndrome back when I didn't understand what was happening to me. I learned something new and I'm sharing it with you.
Today we live in a high-speed world, we often hear people say they’re “overstimulated” or “burnt out,” while others talk about not having the “capacity” to deal with life’s demands. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Understanding the difference between overstimulation and low capacity can help us better care for our minds, bodies, and spirits.
Overstimulation is...
Overstimulation happens when your nervous system is overwhelmed by too much input — sound, light, information, conversations, emotions, pressure — coming at you all at once or for too long. It’s a sensory and mental flood that exceeds what your system can comfortably process.
Low Capacity is...
Low capacity is when your baseline ability to handle life’s everyday demands is already limited — physically, mentally, or emotionally. It’s the diminished bandwidth you start your day with.
This can result from:
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Chronic stress or trauma
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Burnout or long-term fatigue
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Illness or nervous system dysregulation
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Lack of recovery time
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Emotional wounds or unprocessed experiences
When you have low capacity, even “normal” situations can feel overwhelming. Your system is already running on empty, so you’re more likely to become overstimulated — quickly.
You can be overstimulated because you have low capacity — and this is often the case for people who’ve experienced trauma, chronic stress, or burnout. Your system is already taxed, so what feels “normal” to others might completely overwhelm you.
What Causes Low Capacity?
Capacity can be drained by:
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Unhealed trauma that keeps your nervous system in fight/flight
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Poor boundaries or people-pleasing patterns
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Neglecting your own needs while over-caring for others
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Skipping rest, nourishment, and soul care
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Not processing emotions, leading to mental overload
Sometimes what looks like laziness, procrastination, or avoidance is really a sign of low capacity — your system is doing the best it can to survive with the energy and resources it has.
How to Rebuild Capacity
Rebuilding your capacity takes time and intention. Here are some life-giving practices that help:
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Regulate your nervous system: Breathwork, grounding, gentle movement
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Eat healing foods: Nutrient-dense meals, fresh fruit, grains, and greens
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Reconnect with joy: Creative expression, music, art, play
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Honor your energy: Choose fewer, more meaningful tasks
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Create safe rhythms: Morning and evening routines that soothe, not stress
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Say no: To anything that pulls you further from peace and restoration
Supporting Yourself Through Both
If you find yourself overstimulated or operating at low capacity, remember:
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You’re not broken.
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You don’t need to push harder — you need to soften.
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You’re allowed to rest before it gets urgent.
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Healing is a process, and awareness is the first step.
Reflective Prompt:
What situations, people, or environments leave you feeling overstimulated? What daily practices might help increase your capacity over time?
*This post was created with the assistance of AI
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