Did you know your body has a built-in system for managing stress? It’s all controlled by your autonomic nervous system (ANS), which consists of two key branches:
🔹 Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – “Freeze, Fight, or Flight”
This is your body’s stress response system. When triggered by anxiety or overwhelm, it:
✔ Increases heart rate
✔ Tenses muscles
✔ Slows digestion
✔ Releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
🔹 Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) – “Rest and Digest”
This system promotes relaxation and recovery by:
✔ Slowing heart rate
✔ Calming the mind
✔ Aiding digestion
✔ Conserving energy
The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Reset Button
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is the longest and most complex cranial nerve, running from the brainstem to key organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It plays a crucial role in balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, helping regulate:
✅ Heart rate variability (HRV) – a key indicator of stress resilience
✅ Digestion and gut motility – supporting a healthy microbiome
✅ Inflammation levels – reducing excessive stress responses
✅ Emotional regulation – influencing mood, anxiety, and overall well-being
When activated, the vagus nerve shifts your body out of stress mode and into a calm, relaxed state.
How to Activate Your Vagus Nerve & Reduce Stress Naturally
Try these simple, science-backed techniques:
🟢 Slow, deep breathing – Exhale longer than you inhale
🟢 Humming, singing, or chanting – Vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve
🟢 Cold exposure – Splash cold water on your face or take a cool shower
🟢 Laughter & social connection – Strengthen your nervous system through joy
🟢 Gratitude practice – Shifts focus from stress to positive emotions
The more you engage in these activities, the better your body handles stress—helping you feel calmer, more resilient, and in control.
I'd love to chat if you’d like to explore how hypnosis can deepen your ability to use natural ways to manage stress.
But what if that's not enough? Let me know how I can help! Call for your 45-minute consultation.
