Navigating Life in a Stressy Stressortin World

Navigating Life in a Stressy Stressortin World

There are two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The Sympathetic Nervous System’s key role is responding to dangerous or stressful situations. When activated, it triggers adrenaline and works with our endocrine system to deliver blood to areas of the body that need oxygen to help us move/activate/get out of dangerous situations. This Sympathetic activation is commonly referred to as the ‘Fight or Flight Response.’

Alternatively, the Parasympathetic Nervous System governs our digestion, healing and sleep. It helps control your body’s response during times of rest. This is commonly referred to as the ‘Rest and Digest’ system. Together, these two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System help us throughout our day to day lives.

Except, in our ‘modern day’ wild world, the source of stress is most often something we can’t run away from or fight like the tiger our ancestors needed to. It’s everyday triggers like being stuck in traffic. We get stressed because we might be running late for an engagement or the car might be low on gas, and often we are actually coming away from another stressful situation at work or school. We are flooded with adrenaline to make us move yet we have to sit still. This ‘fight or flight’ energy has nowhere to go, we contain it in our bodies, and it can make us feel like we’re going to burst.

If we spend too much time in Sympathetic our bodies prioritize preparing for physical action while ignoring/shutting down the processes governed by the Parasympathetic system. This can have long term negative effects on our overall health.

Dittys to Support your Parasympathetic Nervous System:

Full Deep Breaths

Time in Nature

Exercise/Physical Activity

Rest/Meditation

Play/Laugh

Sing/Humm

Quality time with loved ones

Time outside with sunrise, sunset or under stars

Herbys to Support your Parasympathetic Nervous System:

Ashwagandha

Chamomile