What calms the nervous system?

What calms the nervous system? The nervous system can be calmed through various techniques and practices that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help regulate the body’s physiological responses.

Have you ever felt like your mind and body are constantly on high alert, leaving you anxious and stressed? If so, you’re not alone. Our nervous system is responsible for our body’s automatic response to perceived danger, which can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

That’s why taking steps to calm our nervous system and promote relaxation is essential. In this post, I’ll share some techniques that have worked for me and others in managing the nervous system.

Techniques for Calming the Nervous System

Firstly, deep breathing is a simple and effective way to calm the nervous system. When we take slow, deep breaths, we signal to our brain that it’s time to relax.

Deep breathing

To try this technique, sit or lie comfortably and inhale deeply through your nose, filling your lungs with air. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth, pushing all the air out of your lungs. Repeat this for several minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body.

Meditation

Meditation is another powerful tool for calming the mind and body. There are many types of meditation, but one of the simplest is to find a quiet place to sit or lie down and focus your attention on your breath. When your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath. Even just a few minutes of daily meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is another technique that can help calm the nervous system. With PMR, you tense and then release different muscle groups in your body, one at a time. This can help release tension and promote relaxation. To try PMR, start with your toes and tense them for a few seconds, then release the tension and relax the muscles. Move up to your calves, thighs, and so on until you’ve tensed and relaxed all the muscles in your body.

Movement

Yoga and Tai Chi are both forms of exercise that promote relaxation and mindfulness. Yoga combines physical postures with breathing techniques, while Tai Chi involves slow, gentle movements and deep breathing. Both practices can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation.
Guided imagery is a technique that involves using your imagination to create a calming scene or scenario. This can help distract your mind from anxious thoughts and promote relaxation.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves using essential oils to promote relaxation and calmness. Lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang are all known for their relaxing properties. You can use a diffuser to fill a room with the scent or apply the oil to your skin or pillow.
Exercise is another powerful way to promote relaxation and calm the nervous system. Even a short walk or gentle stretching can help release tension and reduce stress.

Journaling

Journaling is a technique that involves writing down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you process emotions and promote relaxation. Try writing down three things you’re grateful for daily, or write about a positive experience.
Finally, social support is crucial for promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Spending time with loved ones, talking to a therapist, or joining a support group can all help you feel more supported and less alone.

In conclusion, many techniques are available to help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

If you’re looking for personalised techniques to help you calm your nervous system, consider working with a breathwork coach like me. I can provide further guidance and support to help you find what works best.