When you’re under chronic stress, your body’s fight-or-flight response becomes constantly engaged. This keeps your cortisol levels high and triggers your sympathetic nervous system—the part of your nervous system that responds to stress with rapid, shallow breathing, constricted blood vessels, and an increased heart rate.
If you often find yourself feeling on edge, with that heart-racing, jumping-out-of-your-skin sensation, it’s likely that stress has you “stuck” in your sympathetic nervous system. The key to getting unstuck is to activate your parasympathetic nervous system — the part of your body that helps you recover and heal from stress, restoring your emotional resilience.
(https://www.sundardasnaturopathy.com/emotional-healing)
1. Switch Off Stress by Stimulating Your Vagus Nerve
One of the most powerful and fast-acting ways to switch off your stress response is to stimulate your Vagus nerve. This nerve extends from your brain through your face and neck to your abdomen, playing a crucial role in balancing your stress and healing responses. When activated, it shifts the balance towards your parasympathetic nervous system, creating a greater sense of calm. Remember what happens in Vagus stays in Vagus 😉
2. Reset Emotional Resilience by Taking a Cold Plunge
Cold exposure has been shown to stimulate the Vagus nerve, helping to lower your stress response and activate your parasympathetic nervous system. While jumping into a cold lake may not be for everyone, you can start by turning the water colder during the final 30 seconds of your shower, gradually working up to a full cold shower.
3. Chanting and Ear Massage
Chanting and meditation, particularly those using spoken mantras, are excellent for stress relief as they stimulate the Vagus nerve endings in the back of your throat, leading to deep relaxation. Additionally, gently massaging the hollow of your outer ear in a circular pattern can also stimulate the Vagus nerve, helping you to feel calmer. https://www.sundardasnaturopathy.com/neuroplasticity)
4. Put New Tools in Your Stress Relief Toolbox
Instead of reaching for a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day, try exploring other techniques to “get out of your head.” Some ideas include:
- Forest bathing: Take a walk in nature, focusing on your five senses—what do you see, smell, touch, taste, and hear?
- Talk to a therapist: If stress is overwhelming, speaking with a therapist can provide you with coping tools and perspective.
- Volunteer: Helping others can boost your own emotional resilience and give you a greater sense of connection. This truly is a great way to spend our time.
5. Reframe Your Perspective
Catastrophic thinking, where you imagine the worst possible outcomes, can exacerbate anxiety. When you notice yourself falling into this pattern, consciously challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if the issue will matter in 5 minutes, 5 days, 5 months, or 5 years. I ask myself this all the time and it rarely matters…..
6. Support Your Stress Response
Chronic stress can lead to adrenal hormone imbalances and lowered thyroid function, making it difficult to manage your mood and stress. Supporting your adrenal glands and thyroid can help rebalance your hormones and protect against the physiological effects of stress. Consider taking a hormonal imbalance quiz to learn more about your symptoms. Be sure to ask your doctor for one.
7. Healing the Trauma Wound
The trauma we’ve collectively experienced in recent years is at the root of much of our current anxiety and stress. Healing this wound is crucial, and one powerful way to start is through loving-kindness meditation. This practice involves sending well-wishes to yourself, your loved ones, and even those who trouble you, helping to cultivate inner peace and resilience.
https://www.yourmindstrategy.com/LIVE/events/success-permission/)
Consult with a naturopath or healthcare professional for personalized guidance on detoxification and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to environmental toxicity and its impact on our well-being.
Stay safe, stay healthy! https://www.sundardasnaturopathy.com/
We are here for you at the Sundardas Naturopathic Clinic.
Yours in Health,
Prof Sundardas D Annamalay
Book a private consultation today and take control of your own health.
Simply email us at admin@naturaltherapies.com to make an appointment
or call +65 6323 6652. We are pleased to offer consultations via Zoom for online coaching clients