Have you ever wondered what keeps your heart beating, helps you solve problems, or even allows you to feel calm during periods of overwhelm? The nervous system is at the centre of it all. This intricate network is your body’s command centre, managing everything from movement and sensation to thought and emotion. Understanding how it works—and how relaxation plays a role in its health—can transform the way you think about wellbeing.
What Is the Nervous System and What Does It Do?
The nervous system is a vast communication network consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and a web of nerves that extend throughout the body. It can be divided into two main parts: the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord and acts as the control centre for processing information; and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), which comprises nerves branching out from the spinal cord to connect the CNS with the rest of the body.
Within the PNS lies the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which is key to understanding how relaxation impacts health. The ANS has two branches:
- 1. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Responsible for the “fight or flight” response, which prepares the body to react to threats.
- 2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Often called the “rest and digest” system, it helps the body relax, recover, and restore balance.
The Nervous System: Your Body’s Command Centre
Supporting your nervous system is vital, as it regulates key functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone balance, while also influencing digestion, immunity, and mood. A well-maintained nervous system is essential for maintaining overall vitality and resilience, ensuring you feel balanced and able to cope with life’s demands.
The Role of Relaxation in Nourishing Your Nervous System
Relaxation acts as a balm for an overstimulated nervous system. By shifting the body into the parasympathetic state called “rest and digest” it may help support inner resilience. Here’s how:
Enhancing Heart Rate Variability (HRV):
HRV is a measure of the balance between your sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. A high HRV may indicate a flexible and resilient nervous system however, research in this area is ongoing.
Supporting Digestive Health:
When the parasympathetic system is activated, digestion improves as blood flow returns to the gut. This promotes a healthier gut-brain connection , which is vital for mood and overall wellbeing.
Supporting Cognitive Function:
Relaxation helps the nervous system prioritise neuroplasticity —the brain’s ability to adapt and grow. This is crucial for learning, memory, and emotional regulation.
Harnessing the Power of the Vagus Nerve
Six Practical Ways to Nourish Your Nervous System
- 1. Breathe Deeply: Engage in diaphragmatic breathing by inhaling deeply through your nose, letting your belly expand, and exhaling slowly. This activates the parasympathetic system almost instantly.
- 2. Spend Time in Nature: Being outdoors reduces cortisol levels and fosters a sense of calm, helping your nervous system reset.
- 3. Prioritise Protein in your Diet: Protein provides the essential amino acids needed to build neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are vital for mood regulation and mental clarity . Proteins also act as enzymes that break down and recycle these neurotransmitters, ensuring effective communication within your nervous system. Think of protein as the building blocks for the intricate communication network that keeps your body and mind balanced.
- 4. Practice Mindfulness: Meditation and mindful activities like journaling or painting may help bring the body out of "fight or flight" and into a state of relaxation.
- 5. Prioritise Restorative Sleep: Sleep is essential for nervous system recovery. Develop a calming bedtime routine to wind down and allow your body the chance to reset and repair.
- 6. Connect with Others: Social bonding stimulates the vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic system, promoting relaxation and emotional resilience.
The Bigger Picture: Relaxation as a Foundation for Health
Relaxation is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining balance in the nervous system. When you make time to relax, you’re not just reducing physical and mental overwhelm —you’re enhancing every function your nervous system oversees, from digestion to emotional resilience.
By intentionally incorporating relaxation into your daily routine, you can support your nervous system and experience the profound benefits it brings to your overall health and wellbeing. Take the first step today: pause, breathe, and give your nervous system the nourishment it deserves.
Revive Active: Your Super Supplement
*The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. As with any nutritional supplement please consult your qualified healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, if you have a known medical condition or are taking medication. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Genna Nelson
Nutritional Therapist and GN Wellness
