After a summer of indulgence, September is always a perfect time for a healthy reset. Yet, with all of the best intentions, it takes little time for the daily stresses to take hold once again and holidays to feel like a distant memory. So, how can you retain that relaxed feeling so you don’t feel burnt out in just a few weeks?
The challenges of life frazzle our nervous systems, which over time can trigger a myriad of symptoms including chronic stress, digestive issues, poor sleep, poor immunity, chronic fatigue and much more. The good news is there is a LOT we can do ourselves to calm and rebalance our systems for better health.
So, how do we do this? One term currently featuring highly on the wellness scene is the ‘vagus nerve’. The longest nerve in the body, it starts at the brain stem at the base of the skull and flows down the spine, branching into the chest and belly, connecting (and also communicating) with every major organ in the body.
The vagus nerve is an essential part of our parasympathetic nervous system (the part that calms us after we experience stress). And research shows that when we stimulate or ‘tone’ our vagus nerve, it helps regulate our digestion, reduce stress, boost happiness, support immunity, increase vitality and much more. Subsequently, working with our vagus nerve is like discovering a new superpower for our health.
So, how can we keep our vagus nerve healthy?
- YOGA – helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system by reducing resting heart rate, breathing patterns and allowing the body and mind to release stress. Yoga can therefore help increase resilience to life stressors and restore homoeostatis.
- BREATH WORK – Research shows that deep belly breathing or yogic breathing is a simple but effective way to stimulate the vagus nerve and thus regulate the nervous system
- MEDITATION / MINDFULNESS – Increases vagal tone, helping build resilience while reducing stress and anxiety
Other elements such as eating healthy food and nurturing our gut health also help to keep our systems in check.
When we’re in balance, our tolerance levels are high, our digestive system is firing, our energy levels are stable and most of all, we’re calmer, happier, and better able to rebound with life. So, when planning your new healthy regime, getting your stress levels in check first and foremost is definitely one great place to start.
For more info about:
Yoga – click here
Breath Work – click here
Meditation / Mindfulness – click here
Nutrition – click here
Gut Health – click here
