If you are one to find it hard to relax, you are not alone. Today mos are finding relaxation a hard place to be. We work way beyond 40 hours a week, add the caretaker of your children, house duties, listening to friends or family members’ problems, or whatever else that might keep you always ON...

In this blog, we are diving into the nervous system and why it’s essential to support yours.

Stress can be addictive; because hormones of stress are addictive. Although the hormones of stress, like cortisol, have an ultra-critical function to our survival, It alters us that we're in danger, or gives us enough energy to tackle the never-ending to-do list It’s of vital importance that we replace the siren blast of cortisol with regenerative practices that help us stay calm and well.

Your nervous system connects with every single part of your physical body and it’s said that it is the bridge that connects to our soul.

The Voluntary Nervous System

Our voluntary (or somatic) nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system which handles bodily movements. The peripheral nervous system connects the brain to motor neurons which control our muscles, glands, and sensory neurons, which are the nerve cells within the nervous system responsible for converting external stimuli from the individual’s environment into internal electrical impulses. The good news is that because this branch of the nervous system is voluntary, we have control of it, and we can use it when we want and rest when we want. A good example is using your arm to wave hello.

The Autonomic Nervous System

While the autonomic nervous system is voluntary, the autonomic nervous system is involuntary, meaning we do not have conscious control of this system—it will happen without us thinking about it. The autonomic nervous system regulates the function of our internal organs, such as our stomach, lungs, and heart. Essentially, it keeps the show running without us having to do anything, even while we sleep.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system is what kicks into gear during downtime, or at least what should kick into gear. This is the natural state our body should be living in when not in a state of emergency or danger. In this state; our heart rate slows down, our breath is calm, our digestion is fluid, and our hormones are balanced. All healing takes place within the parasympathetic state; in this state of systemic relaxation, our body regulates, restores, detoxifies, and regenerates.

Signs that we are in a state of “fight-or-flight”:

- Tired (but wired)

- Not sleeping through the night

- Wide awake at peak hours (1-4 am)

- Digestive issues (excessive bloating, constipation, etc.)

- Elevated blood sugar levels

- Feeling unable to calm down, or slow down, mentally or physically

Here are some tips to Reset and Regulate your Nervous System

Yoga + Meditation + Breathwork

Spend 15 min in the morning of your time to create a habit of movement, and breathwork. Deep breathing through the nose is clinically proven to reduce stress levels, and activate your parasympathetic nervous system.

Foods for the Nervous System + Adrenals

A clean diet that includes healthy servings of fruits and root vegetables can be nourishing to the nervous system. While this transition can take some time, often a few weeks to a few months, it can be very healing to the system.

Sound Healing + Binaural Beats

Healing and relaxing music, in general, is extremely helpful to help us feel good and at ease. Although some say ‘binaural beats’ are a bit of an illusion, or 'auditory phenomena' I think they can be tremendously healing. There are many kinds out there, and there are some particularly great ones that incorporate singing bowls and other instruments. Many guided meditations incorporate these, and many find it to be effective for meditation, or downtime.

Holistic Healing + Bodywork

Getting bodywork like lymphatic massage, craniosacral therapy, rolfing, abdominal massage reflexology, and reiki are all therapeutic and immensely helpful at turning off your stress hormones. There are many forms of massage and bodywork out there, try exploring some out of the norm to find the one that somatically matches your needs. These therapies, and similar, can be greatly helpful in releasing stored trauma, emotional tension, and physical tension.

Locals can now come out and RESET with me and Simon from Le Sound Temple.

information click on Yoga Events and reserve your spot.

I have combined the Art of Yoga, meditation, and shamanic sound bath to help you Reset your nervous system.

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Learn How To Regulate Your Nervous System