Two things to regulate your nervous system- Dr. Hailey Jackson
Ever feel like your nervous system is spiraling out of control? Today I am sharing 2 things you can physically do to regulate it.
First, what is the nervous system?
The nervous system is queen with many different layers and moving parts, but today I am focusing on two systems within the bigger nervous system – the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. Think of these two systems as dial knobs.
The parasympathetic nervous system is the rest & digest system. When this isn’t functioning optimally, you aren’t resting and digesting to your potential, and when upregulated this dial knob is turned down.
The sympathetic nervous system is the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn system. When this system isn’t functioning optimally, you are more reactive and feel like everything is a crisis and this dial knob is turned up.
So what can you physically do to regulate your nervous system? There are several things you can do but today I am sharing my favorite two – breathing techniques and a grounding walk.
For breathing techniques, try breathing out longer than you breathe in (ex: in for 3 seconds, out for 6 seconds) or try alternate nostril breathing (ex: cover one nostril for one breath and alternate).
Another great option is a grounding walk. When walking outside, you are most likely looking around at various objects at various depths and by moving your eyes all around AND using both sides of your body, you are activating both sides of your brain. You can add a layer onto this by focusing on 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. The best part – the weather right now is prime walking weather!
Regulating your nervous system is so important for both mental and physical health. When upregulated, your body holds onto muscular tension, you don’t rest optimally, and digestion problems can arise.
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