#restanddigest

[harmonyhealinghub]

Unlocking Calm: The Parasympathetic Nervous System Fix Shaina Tranquilino June 13, 2024

Stress seems to be an unwelcome companion for many of us. Whether it’s the demands of work, family responsibilities, or even just the constant barrage of information from our devices, our nervous systems often find themselves in overdrive. But amidst this whirlwind, there exists a powerful ally that can help restore balance and calm: the parasympathetic nervous system.

Understanding the Parasympathetic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system, which operates largely unconsciously, is divided into two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. While the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response—preparing us to react to perceived threats—the parasympathetic nervous system acts like a soothing balm, promoting a state of relaxation and restoration.

When activated, the parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart rate, promotes digestion, and encourages the body to conserve energy. It's often referred to as the "rest and digest" system, contrasting with the "fight or flight" response of the sympathetic nervous system.

Signs of Parasympathetic Activation

Knowing when your parasympathetic nervous system is engaged can be key to managing stress and improving overall well-being. Here are some signs that indicate your body might be in a parasympathetic state:

Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths that come from the diaphragm rather than the chest.

Digestion: Feeling relaxed after meals, indicating proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Heart Rate: A steady and slower heart rate, especially noticeable during periods of calm.

Muscle Relaxation: Reduced tension in muscles throughout the body.

Emotional State: A sense of tranquility, contentment, and emotional balance.

Activating Your Parasympathetic Nervous System

While stressors are inevitable, there are several effective strategies to enhance parasympathetic activation and promote relaxation:

Mindful Breathing: Engage in deep breathing exercises, focusing on long exhales, which directly stimulate the vagus nerve and trigger parasympathetic response.

Yoga and Meditation: These practices are renowned for their ability to calm the mind and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Nature and Quietude: Spending time in nature or engaging in activities that bring peace and quiet can have a profound calming effect.

Massage and Bodywork: Therapeutic touch can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce cortisol levels, promoting relaxation.

Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep all support overall nervous system health, including parasympathetic function.

The Long-Term Benefits

Cultivating a strong parasympathetic response isn’t just about immediate stress relief—it’s about fostering long-term resilience and well-being. Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system, without adequate parasympathetic balance, has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, and weakened immune function. By nurturing our parasympathetic nervous system, we create a foundation for sustained health and vitality.

In a world that often glorifies productivity and achievement at the expense of our well-being, prioritizing parasympathetic activation is a powerful act of self-care. It’s about finding moments of stillness amidst the chaos, allowing our bodies and minds to replenish and rejuvenate. By incorporating simple practices into our daily lives, we can gradually shift towards a state of greater balance, resilience, and inner peace.

Remember, the parasympathetic nervous system isn’t a fix-all, but rather a profound tool we can harness to navigate life’s challenges with grace and equanimity. So, take a deep breath, listen to your body, and let the calm unfold. Your well-being deserves it.

[adaptable-polarity]

Grateful for your guts. Especially today! Finishing the large intestine segment… There’s going to be a lot of additional flow in this region of your body (if you’re in the USA)…and then, taking a moment for all those that won’t see heaping piles of food today. Fun facts: -Your Turkey will travel through five feet of colon before you let go of what is left of it -your Turkey will take 12 to 48 hours to travel those five feet -100 trillion microbes live in your large intestine -your large intestine has a special musculature that squeezes and relaxes in a wave like manner -this movement is called peristalsis and is governed by your parasympathetic nervous system -and apparently, your colon is never empty…so we’re all full of shit! 😂🤣😂 Thanks for stopping by. Stay classy social media! #turkeyday #begrateful #attitudeofgratitude #gratefultoday #thankyou #largeintestinemeridian #largeintestine #colon #smoothmuscle #peristalsis #peristalticpump #parasympatheticnervoussystem #parasympathetic #restanddigest #adaptablepolarity #funfacts #visceralmanipulation #viscera https://www.instagram.com/p/ClWfdx7J9y8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[specialsaathi]

Weaving in Calming Practices in Daily Rhythms

Our Journey to Nervous System Harmony – 1 Predictable and well-organized daily rhythms have important benefits for everyone.  Healthy rhythms are of particular importance for Neurodivergent (ND) individuals and for their parents.  Explore the importance of daily rhythms from a nervous system harmony lens.  Daily Rhythms and Nervous System Harmony: Our Journey: 2004 – 2024What we have discovered…

[farazberjis]

Nasal breathing has many advantages over mouth breathing. Overall, nasal breathing is more efficient with better oxygen uptake and delivery throughout the body. The nasal hair creates excellent filtration of the air which helps reduce irritants from entering the lungs. There is a higher concentration of nitric oxide which leads to vasodilation and better heart/ lung health.Nasal breathing improves lung capacity and allows a more efficient exercise tolerance with fewer breaths per minute; therefore, the body is not working as hard to consume the same amount of oxygen with better performance and endurance. Nasal breathing allows warmer air in and strengthens the diaphragm. Most important, nasal breathing, unlike mouth breathing, allows deeper or fuller breaths and expands the lower lung which activates the parasympathetic nervous system ( the rest and digest system). Mouth breathing stimulates or expands the upper lungs and activates the sympathetic or fight/flight system. #nasalbreathing #mouthbreathing #oxygenation #vasodilation #lungcapacity ##coreintegrativedigestivewellness #wellbeing #nutrition #wellness #farazberjis #exercise #performance #lunghealth #endurance #coredigestive #parasympatheticnervoussystem #restanddigest #sympatheticnervoussystem #diaphragm #nitricoxide

[adifferentwordforeverything]

Naps are lullabies smuggled in at midday.  They calm the body and soothe the soul - and subvert silly old rules about propriety.

Linda Borecki, Ethnodoxologist & Life-long napper

[ahruygt]

Dreaming of Ireland as it settles into my system. I’m happy to digest it and allow it to nourish me. In the meantime, I’m in London with @steveberryman and couldn’t be happier to spend time with a wonderful spirit. He wears the best shirts. And tomorrow we are going to sing showtimes with a live pianist! #londoncalling #restanddigest #nourishment https://www.instagram.com/p/BxBBdPKJh1q/?igshid=y89l4ckplx6x

[lifecoachfredrik]

Why do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted one day and highly energized and focused the next? It could be a number of reasons to this (lack of sleep, overthinking, too little exercise, excess medication, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and food consumption) All of these things can contribute to an unstable hormone and bloodsugar level, that will make your system work really hard to regain its homeostatic balance. In other words, when you feel overwhelmed and exhausted your body is digesting life. This is a natural mechanism as long as you don't continue to feel like this every day of every week, month and year! #healthymoving #keepmoving #healthyeating #boostyourenergy #naturalenergyboost #healthysleeping #healthyintimacy #restanddigest #wellnesslifestyle #healthybeing #healthydoing #healthyliving #healthythinking #nowmindset #intelligentmindset #exercisematters #winningmindset #activelifestyle #growthmindset #mentalmastery #getmovingeveryday #timetoexercise #yourbodyspeaks #beinginnature #listentoyourbody #healthyrelaxation #healthyrelaxation #healthyplanning #yourneedsmatter #outdoorlifestyle https://www.instagram.com/p/ChsmToWKksG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[yoga--faith]

I had one VERY GOOD STUDENT TODAY who listened intently about the Relaxation Response! Thank you to everyone who SHOWED UP THIS MORNING TO RELEASE STUFF !! Thank you @beyogiinsurance for having me and blessings to each of the 345 participants- keep moving - keep shaking it off and moving it OUT! #THEMIGHTYPSOAS #psoas #stayfree #freedom #rest #restanddigest #yogafaith #steeler ��‍⬛ (at YOGA FAITH) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChGnNPrrpvy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[rfarrokh]

Yes yes yes❣️ A million times yes❣️😘💖 #growthquotes #growthandmindset #growthanddevelopment #growingmyself #boundariesmatter #boundariesarehealthy #settingboundaries #boundaries #healthyboundaries #boundaries #setboundaries #setboundariesfindpeace #rachaelsroadtorecovery #restisimportant #restisproductive #restisessential #restandrecovery #restandrelaxation #restandrecharge #restandrelax #restanddigest #restandbethankful #restandrestore #restandrecover #progressoverperfection #progressnotperfection #selfworthjourney #selfworthy #selfworthiseverything #selfworthmovement #selfcareisnotselfish https://www.instagram.com/p/CQe3BfCJbly/?utm_medium=tumblr

[airinaquarius]

RECHARGE ✨ Allowing time for rest, helps to keep balance and recharge the system. Today was one of those days for me. I spent the day resting, meditating, reading books on tantra, digestive health and even began The Alchemist once again. I listened to inspiring talks and took naps. I drank lots of fluids, coconut water, and ate very light. I took vitamins and minerals and used my #doterra essential oils. Nurturing myself, allowing space for rejuvenation. I wish I could say I was laying on this beautiful beach, but my couch and bed were just the cozy I needed today. I cherish these days. Even if my energy isn’t as high as usual. To feel the highs, we have to feel the lows. To feel the love, we must allow ourselves to feel the pain. How did you spend your day today? How do you refuel when your body needs it? ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 . . . . . . . #rest #restanddigest #healing #rejuvenate #recharge #bodymindsoul #soulmedicine #relax #reading #thealchemist #naptime #eatlight #fasting #today #balance #feelings #mood #vibes

[welling1161]

The 8th factor which affects your growth is Discomfort. When discomfort becomes your way of life, determine- how often you are feeling this sense of distress. As something is crying of for your attention. And how long you want to suffer? Not at all, right? To help you gain some important perspective, I have designed a course which reassure you with COMFORT of luxury. Are you the game? Book your session now at www.breakthroughlifecoaching.net or Write in to me at pw@prashantwelling.com #chakras #anxiety #perception #anxietyrelief #neuroplasticity #nlppractitioner #empoweryourself #holistichealth #holistichealing #mindbodyconnection #selfhealers #wellness #restanddigest #wherefocusgoesenergyflows #picsartisticc #healingpowerofnature #lifehacks #meditation #dailyhabits #powercoaching #powercoach #relationshipproblems #relationshipadvice #enlightment #awakenedsoul #intuitivehealer #intuition #synchronicity #awareness #lifequote https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxTNX9DvMJ/?igshid=66ru7hmmgc7e

[gerdfood]

We hope everyone is having a 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼-𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓢𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓪𝔂. This is our friendly reminder to 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓽 & 𝓓𝓲𝓰𝓮𝓼𝓽. We often stretch ourselves thin to feel successful and satisfy others. If you are overloaded with stimuli and under stress, your body gives less priority to digestion. Blood and energy are diverted away from your digestive system and its ability absorb nutrients is diminished. Remaining in a stressful state for too long can lead to GERD-Symptoms like heartburn, bloating, stomach pain and fatigue. Feel proud of how hard you’ve worked this week, then remember: slow down to allow the body & mind to rejuvinate! . A warm essential oil bath 🛀 as part of a daily routine is our favorite relaxation technique. When you 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓪𝔁 in the bath, your blood vessels to widen to decrease blood pressure and improve circulation. Warm baths can improve your oxygen intake by allowing you to breathe deeper and slower. Submergence in water can reduce pain and inflammation and also calm the nervous system, reducing stress & anxiety levels and improving your mood. ✨Try this out! ✨ Mix 10 drops of your favorite pure essential oil with 1 TBSP of 𝒸𝑜𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓊𝓉 oil. 🥥 ☀️Use uplifting citrus scents like Orange & Lemon in the morning 🌙Use calming earth scents like Lavender & Chamomile in the evening. Mix in 2 cups of Epsom Salt & 1/2 Cup of ground 𝒪𝒶𝓉𝓈 to relax tight muscles, reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. 🕯Light a candle & focus on the flame or close your eyes, let your mind become quiet, breathe and 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓪𝔁. . . #gerd #acidreflux #stress #relaxation #essentialoil #bath #restanddigest ————— https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/stress-and-the-sensitive-gut https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/mindfulness-helps-us-digest-and-enjoy-our-food https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtCosZn31Y/?igshid=16h1u0euwce1l

[farazberjis]

Embrace new energy, set your intentions and rest and reset during the total eclipse on April 8, 2024 www.coredigestive.com Empowerment and education for digestive wellness. @FarazBerjis @CoreDigestive #solareclipse #solareclipse2024 #restanddigest #digestivewellness #health #nutrition #inspo #coreintegrativedigestivewellness #cidw #farazberjis #guthealth #manifestation #mercuryretrograde #coredigestive #wellness #health #mindbodyspirit #gutbrain #mindbodyconnection #digestivewellness #empoweryourself #mindfulness #meditation #breathwork #curiosity #healthygut #guthealthmatters #wellness #fxmed #holisticlifestyle #metabolichealth #brainhealth #microbiome #gutbrainaxis #metabolichealth

[maryalicek]

Yes this is tonight’s affirmation for me! Gotta go to bed early too! #affirmations #sleep #alignyourwholelife #calmdown #restanddigest #chilax (at Maryalice Kirchdoerffer, B. Sc., L.M.T. at Align Your Whole Life) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAspcJABjST/?igshid=chsla59mdjh3

[iamrodrigoov]

Sound Bath - Rest and Digest - Sara Auster #soundbath #restanddigest #sarahauster #audiobook #audiobooks #audiolivro #audiolivros #livro #livros #book #books #audible https://www.instagram.com/p/B_vG8zwj23A/?igshid=t8f2xfmt91pb

[lifecoachfredrik]

Are you also waiting for the sun to get you going today?😅☀️#slowstarttotheday #healthybeing #rejuvenate #recharge #listentoyourbody #healthyliving #restanddigest #reconnectwithyourself (at Tyrifjorden) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeIpBD-K_AN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=