9 Simple & Effective Ways to Calm Your Nervous System

There's no denying that stress and anxiety are increasingly prevalent in our society. Not enough sleep, over use of mobile phones and screens, multi-tasking, lack of focus, attention being pulled in multiple directions, low quality, poor grade food, spending too much time with people who leave us feeling depleted, emotional suppression and low level, chronic anxiety (hello outstanding tax return, a difficult conversation, a job you don't like or a constantly cluttered messy environment!) are too frequently common stressors that a lot of us face. And as if that wasn't enough to deal with, let's throw a global pandemic into the mix! 

The problem is the stress we face today is sustained, it's chronic! We find ourselves living in that "fight or flight" response (our sympathetic nervous system) almost all the time and it's not only exhausting, it's detrimental to our health. So, what to do about it? We can't necessarily change the environment we are in and remove all of the stressors but we can adopt practices that bring us into balance, back to that "rest and digest" response (our parasympathetic nervous system). And it is from this place, that healing can begin to occur! 

Here are 9 of my favourite simple & effective ways that will help you calm your nervous system - 

1. CHANT AUM

Chanting aum naturally extends the exhale and instantly calms the nervous system, relaxes the diaphragm & increases vagal tone.

2. REDUCE VATA

Massage warm sesame or coconut oil into the body, focusing on the joints as this is where vata gathers.

3. SET UP A SACRED SLEEPING SPACE

Practice tapas (discipline) and keep all mobile phones and electronic devices out of the bedroom.

4. RELEASE THOSE EMOTIONS

Having a good cry is a great release that’s not using alcohol or other hedonistic pursuits. 

5. EAT A PLANT-BASED DIET

Eating local fresh food which is full of life itself, transfers prana into our bodies.

6. CARVE OUT TIME FOR A HOME RETREAT

Enjoy a long hot luxurious bath or simply just find some quiet time alone.

7. SPEND TIME IN NATURE

Get grounded in nature - go for a mindful walk in the park or along the beach & anchor into the feeling of the earth.

8. NURTURE YOUR SATSANG

Prioritise spending time with family and friends, it’s important to nourish & nurture those special relationships. 

9. PRACTICE YOGA!

Meditation, yoga nidra, yin yoga & slower restorative practices are beautifully grounding & earth connecting.

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