Learn how to tap into the power of your body’s “calm-down”

Are you tired of feeling stressed and overwhelmed? What if there was a way to switch on your body’s “calm-down” whenever you needed it? It turns out there is, and it’s called vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). By using certain simple, easy wellness practices, you can activate your vagus nerve to move your body from a fight-or-flight state of stress to a rest-and-digest state of relaxation.

But what exactly is the vagus nerve? According to clinical neuroscience and mental health, “The vagus nerve is a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘rest and digest’ response.” This runs between your gut and brain and is responsible for the way your body reacts to stress. When stimulated, your vagus nerve can help regulate your body’s stress response, leading to improved overall health.

Here are seven DIY vagus nerve exercises that anyone can do, quickly

Let Yourself Have a Full-Body Laugh

Laughter has been shown to stimulate the vagus nerve, Turn on a comedy favorite or schedule a night out with friends to give it a try.

Meditate Daily, Even for a Few Minutes

Meditation can help calm your mind and quell stress. Slow, deep breathing, which accompanies meditation, stimulates the vagus nerve, according to research.

Take a handful of Deep Breaths

Deep breathing can be done anywhere, anytime, and doesn’t require closing your eyes or clearing your mind. Take several deep belly breaths to feel the anxiety lessen.

Hum Your Favorite Tune

The vibration from humming moves through the throat to the chest, which is the vagus nerve vibrating, In addition to its calming effects, research shows that bee humming breathing, a yogic breath where you hum like a bee on the exhale for as long as possible, can benefit hypertension.

Splash Your Face With Cold Water

Cold exposure can stimulate the vagus nerve, but it may not be for everyone. Cold is most helpful for people who lean toward depression, try sipping some water to gargle, which can activate the muscles in the back of the throat connected to the vagus nerve.

Gargle Water in the Back of Your Throat

Try gargling for 30 seconds to one minute, directing the water to the back of your throat.

Massage Your Outer Ear:

Massaging the inner part of your ear using slow circles, pulling your ear, and massaging the area behind and below your ear can activate the body’s de-stressing response, possibly because it targets the vagus nerve.

Activate your self-soothing system and tap into the power of your vagus nerve for improved overall health. Give these seven DIY vagus nerve exercises a try today.

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