I am convinced that a healthy nervous system holds the key to living in vibrant health.

When we are stressed or don’t feel safe, we go into our sympathetic nervous system which prepares the body for the “fight or flight” response. On the other hand, when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, our body goes into “rest and digest” mode. It slows our heart and breathing rates, lowers blood pressure, and promotes digestion. Our body can heal itself when in this state.

If we are constantly stressed or do not feel safe, we will stay stuck in the sympathetic nervous system and this is at the root of many health issues. If we regularly allow our nervous system to rest, we can heal.

There are simple practices to activate our parasympathetic nervous system:

Breathe – Deep breathing sends a message to our brain that we are safe.

Deep Sigh – A deep sigh is our body’s natural way to release tension and reset our nervous system.

Touch – Get a therapeutic massage or practice self-holding exercises. Safe touch activates the release of oxytocin, the immediate antidote to the stress hormone cortisol. Also, gently stroke your lips. Our lips have parasympathetic fibers spread throughout them, so touching them activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Put our Hand on Our Heart – Place a hand on the heart and remember a time when you felt safe, loved, and cared for. Feel that emotion for about 30 seconds. Affirm that you are safe, loved, and cared for. (Rubbing an essential oil on the heart is also helpful.)

Movement – Gentle exercise helps to reset the nervous system. There are also specific somatic exercises that help release stress, and stored trauma, on a biological level. (I am going to get a certification in somatic experiencing as I healed two personal health issues through practicing a somatic technique and I’m convinced it is a huge piece in one’s healing journey. )