The Power of the Parasympathetic State: How It Impacts Your Well-Being

Stress is inevitable and regulating the nervous system can be challenging when we are stuck in a state of to do’s. The autonomic nervous system is comprised of 3 divisions: sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric systems. The sympathetic nervous is responsible for fight and flight and can easily kick into overdrive after a stressful day. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and digest. It is so imperative for our health that we activate the parasympathetic nervous system regularly to allow our bodies a chance to relax and heal. 

The vagus nerve is the main nerve that innervates the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagal nerves run down each side of your neck to the sacral region. These nerves play important roles in physiological responses such as breathing, digestion, and your immune system.

Having natural and holistic tools in our back pocket to counteract stressful times or uncertainty is crucial. Here are a few of our favourite techniques from some of the best doctors and neuroscientists to counteract the stress response and have you feeling balanced in no time.

• Massage back and forth near the brainstem (where the spinal cord and brain connect).
  

• Acupressure (hold for 30 seconds and repeat).
  

• The top of your head 

• Between your eyebrows or third eye

• Between your thumb and index finger 

• Deep physiological sigh (deep breath in with a quick second breath and long          exhale). The longer the exhale the faster your heart rate will begin to slow as neural pathways signal rest and safety to the brain.
  

• Cold water immersion (shower, splash your face, or ice bath).
  

• Foot massage with essential oils.
  

• Put on a calming music playlist and visualize something that makes you really happy.
  

• Run a hot bath with lavender epsom salts (magnesium immediately tends to tense muscles and mood).
  

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