What gear is your body in right now?

A quick check in with your nervous system

Your body is always responding to what is happening around you and inside you. Sometimes it runs on high. Sometimes it shuts down. Sometimes it finds its balance. This short quiz can help you notice which pattern is most present for you right now. There are no right or wrong answers. It takes about two minutes.

This is an educational tool, not a diagnostic assessment. Results may not reflect the full picture if you have ADHD or other neurodivergent traits. Take it as a starting point for curiosity, not a clinical conclusion.

Question 1

When your plate is full and more gets added, you usually:

Question 2

When someone close to you needs something and you are already stretched, you:

Question 3

When someone makes a last minute request or unexpected demand of you:

Question 4

When you have free time with nothing scheduled, you:

Question 5

When you need something, whether rest, help, or support, you:

Please answer all five questions to see your result.

Flooded state: When you are flooded your nervous system is in a state of hyperarousal. You may feel restless, irritable, unable to slow down, or like you cannot stop even when you want to. This is common in helping professionals and caregivers who have been giving too much for too long. Flooded is also called hyperarousal. It is your system keeping you activated and alert. It can show up during high stress, ongoing demands, or even during physical exercise and movement. Grounded state: When you are grounded your nervous system is in the window of tolerance. This is rest and digest mode. You can think clearly, connect with others, and handle pressure without falling apart. Grounded is not permanent and can shift depending on what life is asking of you. The window of tolerance is where your body does its best work. Checked out state: When you are checked out your nervous system is in a state of hypoarousal. This is a protective shutdown response, not laziness or lack of motivation. It often develops after chronic stress, burnout, or overwhelm. Small steps back toward regulation are more effective than pushing hard. Hypoarousal can also occur as a freeze response when things feel too overwhelming to handle. Mixed state: The mixed state is sometimes called wired and tired. It is common in people who have been carrying too much for too long. The nervous system is caught between hyperarousal and hypoarousal, exhausted but unable to rest. Gentle movement and checking in with yourself before acting are more useful than pushing hard or forcing rest.

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