Ways to Activate PNS

The parasympathetic nervous system controls bodily functions when a person is at rest. Activating the PNS helps the body in relaxing and calming the stress response. One of the easiest ways to do this is stimulating the vagus nerve, which in turns reduces our neurophysiological experience of stress. It reduces our heart rate and blood pressure. Zone 1 (Z1) and Zone 2 (Z2) exercises also switch on the mind to body connection by deliberately causing the mind to be connected to body. Some other easy ways are:

1. Stretching
2. Point & Call
3. Deep breathing, like 4228
4. Sleeping
5. Laughter
6. Slow at ease walks
7. Meditation
8. Massages
9. Spending time with loved ones
10. Good nutritious food

We can’t stop stress in our lives, but we can always try to manage it and stop it from accumulating in our mind and body. Keep your blip-blip/hourly chimes turned on and activate your PNS as many times a day, start with 1-2 times consciously!