7 Practical ways to incorporate more ease into your life and see genuine results.
(Increased creativity, vitality, ability to be of service, going after your passions – type of results.)
This fast but effective read is not just informative but also practical, with strategies that are designed to fit into your busy schedule so you can start making positive changes to your routine right away. Below, you will find 7 easeful ways to support your nervous system so you can improve your health, relationships, and finances.
Here's the deal, being stressed out all the time screws up our ability to thrive.
We aren't meant to be stressed out, figuratively running from that lion, 24 hours a day, but unfortunately, many of us feel that way.
We've been programmed to believe that the only way to get anything done is to be stressed out, high-strung, rushing, and agitated while doing it.
When we exist in that chronic state of go-go-go and stress, we can't get to the juicy and magnetic aspects of ourselves that would deliver life-changing miracles.
Most of us know that the parasympathetic state in our nervous system is also often called the "rest and digest" state. But it includes oh so much more than that.
When we can feel calm in our bodies and spend more of our days in the parasympathetic state, we can become more aligned with our highest self, opening up a world of possibilities. Possibilities that seem incredibly out of touch when we are in "fight or flight" all the time.
Now, none of us will get out of being stressed now and again. Still, there are some powerful and easy activities to incorporate into our daily rituals that will support our nervous system and help us overcome our unconscious addiction to those familiar stressed-out states. Unfortunately, we can get trapped in a cycle of creating more of what we are familiar with because that feels safe, and it can be challenging to override that false sense of safety we get from familiar, in this case, stressed-out states.
The seven activities I share with you below can all be incorporated into your current lifestyle with simple adjustments, and you can get your loved ones involved for a delicious ripple effect. Over time, as you gradually include these into your daily rituals, you will find you feel more comfortable in these relaxed states and find more balance in your nervous system.
The truth is that the beautiful Creator designed our bodies to respond positively to joy, fun, laughter, connection, ease, and beauty. If you find that you're making it arduous and stressful to add these into your life, perhaps take a step back and reevaluate.
Below, you will find 7 easeful ways to support your nervous system so you can improve your health, relationships, and finances. AND begin to create the life you’ve been holding back from.
#1. Laughter and Positive Social Connections
Authentic laughter is not just a mood booster; it's a health booster too. It stimulates our vagus nerve, contributing to overall good health and well-being – and most importantly, it helps us enjoy our lives! Positive social connections and support are not just nice to have; they're essential for our health. They correlate with decreased levels of cortisol and increased feel-good neurotransmitters like oxytocin and dopamine, which contribute to positive emotions and well-being. So, surround yourself with laughter and positive people, and let the good vibes flow! If you don't have much community in real life, find some positive and encouraging podcast hosts or online communities that keep you feeling supported and inspired.
Where would you rate this activity on the Ease Meter? How could you find one or two ways to incorporate more of this into your daily rituals?
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#2. Make Some Noise, Babe!
Singing, especially when done loudly or in unison, has a profound positive impact on our health. It's not just a health booster; it's a joyful activity that can put our bodies in a nice, parasympathetic state. Vagal tone refers to the activity of the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the body that runs from the brainstem to the abdomen and plays a crucial role in regulating our heart rate, digestion, and other bodily functions. Engaging our vocal cords through humming, mantra chanting, hymn singing, and upbeat, energetic singing enhances vagal tone. Even chanting a single syllable can create an internal vibration in our throat, stimulating our organs and the vagus nerve. So, make some noise, let your voice heal you, and most importantly, have fun! Want to be alone as you begin to explore? Try singing in your shower or your car.
Where would you rate this activity on the Ease Meter? How could you find one or two ways to incorporate more of this into your daily rituals?
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#3. Meditate
Studies show there can be a significant rise in vagal tone when meditating, which was associated with reported increases in positive emotions, nervous system support, and overall health. Additionally, "Om" chanting (or other types of chanting) during such meditation stimulates the vagus nerve. To incorporate this into your daily life, you can start with just five minutes of meditation in the morning or before bed. Focus on your breath and try chanting "Om" to stimulate your vagus nerve. Or simply bring presence to your spirit and inhale while silently whispering "I" and exhale silently whispering "am." I am. I am. I am – allow gratitude for the presence of the moment.
Where would you rate this activity on the Ease Meter? How could you find one or two ways to incorporate more of this into your daily rituals?
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#4. Massage
You can manually stimulate your vagus nerve by massaging several body areas. For example, your throat, ears, stomach, and feet are accessible ways to stimulate your vagus nerve and, therefore, support your nervous system – and it feels lovely and calming. Best part? You can do this for yourself, and it only takes a few moments to make a huge impact.
Where would you rate this activity on the Ease Meter? How could you find one or two ways to incorporate more of this into your daily rituals?
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#5. Deep Breathing
Deep and slow breathing, primarily involving the movements of the diaphragm, is not just beneficial; it's incredibly soothing. It supports our feelings of calm and helps us spend more time in our lovely 'rest and digest' state. To practice this, sit comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Breathe deeply through your nose, feeling your abdomen rise, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall. Practicing this type of breathing for about five minutes two or three times daily can substantially impact our overall well-being and health. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let your body and mind unwind!
Where would you rate this activity on the Ease Meter? How could you find one or two ways to incorporate more of this into your daily rituals?
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Interested in exploring a few fast and effective guided breathing practices? Click here.
#6. Average Intensity Movement
Ideal activities to support our nervous system can be a quick walk, a dance break in our living room, or a light jog (respecting our physical state), or Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and other Eastern disciplines that look after the physiology of the human body and the physiology of the movements. Movements requiring coordination stimulate the vagus; however, if the action is too intense, efforts can block the vagus. It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, as this can have the opposite effect on your nervous system.
Where would you rate this activity on the Ease Meter? How could you find one or two ways to incorporate more of this into your daily rituals?
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#7. Nature
Nature is pure and simple, the most beautiful medicine for our body, mind, and soul. Spending time in nature and entraining can positively affect the nervous system, including reducing stress, improving focus, and activating sensory responses. Sunshine, touching our feet to the ground, listening to bird songs, cloud gazing... it's all beautifully supportive. So, next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a break and spend some time in nature. You'll be amazed at how much it can help!
Where would you rate this activity on the Ease Meter? How could you find one or two ways to incorporate more of this into your daily rituals?
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Have some fun finding creative ways to incorporate these seven beautiful rituals into your life.
Warmly,
Denise
