Nourishing Your Nervous System: The Holistic Path to Resilience and Vitality
NOV 20, 2024 • Written by ARJUNA George CEC, CWS
Life these days feels like it's on fast-forward. We're all running around, juggling a million things, and often feeling like we're about to drop the ball. It's exhausting and overwhelming and can leave us feeling disconnected from our inner zen. But here's the thing—the key to navigating this whirlwind might be closer than you think. It's all about nurturing our nervous system, the unsung hero of our body's command center.
Understanding Our Body's Command Center
Think of your nervous system as your body's Wi-Fi network. It's got two main channels:
The sympathetic system (our "fight-or-flight" mode)
The parasympathetic system (our "rest-and-digest" mode)
When stress hits, our sympathetic system kicks into high gear, preparing us to face challenges. It's like our body's very own superhero cape. But here's the catch – staying in this alert state for too long can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical illness. That's where the parasympathetic system comes in, our body's chill-out mode. By nurturing this system, we can restore balance and calm.
Holistic Ways to Nourish Your Nervous System
The beauty of holistic wellness is that it offers a buffet of options to naturally calm and support our nervous system. Here are some of my favourite practices:
1. Get Moving (Gently)
Yoga, tai chi, and TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) are like a spa day for your nervous system. They help release physical tension and trapped stress, allowing your body to find its zen. TRE, in particular, is a game-changer. It involves gentle shaking and muscle release that can calm your body deeply. It's especially great if you're dealing with regular stress.
2. Breathe and Be Mindful
Mindfulness meditation and deep breathing are like a reset button for your brain. Even five minutes a day can make a difference in managing stress levels and building a steady state of relaxation. It's like giving your mind a mini-vacation every day.
3. Eat Well
You are what you eat, which also goes for your nervous system. A diet rich in omega-3s (think fish, walnuts, flaxseeds), B vitamins, and magnesium (leafy greens and nuts) is like fuel for your nervous system. These nutrients support brain health, emotional well-being and have calming properties that help you relax. And don't forget to drink loads of quality water, too!
4. Prioritize Sleep
Good Sleep is like a superpower for your nervous system. Poor Sleep can make us more prone to stress, so it's crucial to prioritize good sleep hygiene. This means sleeping regularly, cutting screen time before bed, and creating a restful environment. Your nervous system will thank you for it.
Your Holistic Toolkit for Nervous System Resilience
Taking care of your nervous system isn't just about managing stress – it's about building a toolkit that helps you thrive daily. Integrating movement, mindfulness, nourishing foods, and quality sleep lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient you. At Madrona Integrative Health, we're all about supporting you on this journey to wellness. If you're curious about practices like TRE or want to learn more about holistic methods to boost your nervous system's health, we're here to help. Together, we can help you cultivate resilience, boost vitality, and feel truly nourished from the inside out. Remember, embracing this holistic path isn't just about feeling calm – it's about creating a balanced, resilient life where you can handle whatever comes your way.
Arjuna George
T.R.E® Provider
Resilience and Self-Leadership Coach
Madrona
If you are interested in exploring how Arjuna’s TRE exercise and coaching appointments can be of support to your well-being, complimentary meet and greet or initial appointments can be made through our clinic booking page, https://madronahealth.janeapp.com/.