Mindfulness and Breath #7

Disarming the Nervous System 

In our modern world, it’s easy to find ourselves in a constant state of stress, where even minor triggers can send our nervous system into overdrive. Our latest video, “Mindfulness and Breath #7: Disarming the Nervous System,” offers practical techniques to help you shift out of the fight-or-flight response and get you on the road to recovery following an adrenaline dump. 

Understanding the Fight-or-Flight Response 

The fight-or-flight response is a natural reaction to perceived threats, preparing the body to either confront or flee from danger. However, this response can be triggered by everyday stressors, leading to chronic stress and all of the health issues that accompany it. Learning to manage this response is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. It’s truly a critical tool for everyone to have in their emergency mental health toolkit. 

Techniques to Disarm the Nervous System 

Our video guides you through a series of techniques designed to deactivate the fight-or-flight response and recover. Here’s a breakdown of the practices: 

1. Tapping and Shaking: 

• Purpose: To bring awareness to the physical body and its boundaries. 

• Method: Begin by gently tapping different parts of your body or shaking vigorously. This helps to release tension and increase body awareness, grounding you in the present moment. 

2. Vagus Nerve Stimulation: 

• Purpose: To activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. 

• Method: Techniques such as humming, gargling, or massaging the neck can stimulate the Vagus nerve. In the video, we demonstrate an extremely effective method to achieve this shift in the nervous system. 

3. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): 

• Purpose: To balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain and calm the mind, this also helps the nervous system to make the switch from sympathetic (Fight, Flight, Freeze) into parasympathetic (Rest, Digest, Recover). 

• Method: This pranayama technique involves inhaling through one nostril while closing the other, then switching nostrils for the exhale. It’s a powerful practice for reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity. 

4. Walking in Nature: 

• Purpose: To help cycle adrenaline out of the system and boost serotonin and dopamine levels. 

• Method: After completing the exercises, taking a walk in nature can be so healing. The combination of physical activity and natural surroundings can significantly improve your mood, your chemistry and overall sense of well-being. 

Being able to disarm the nervous system is an essential skill for maintaining mental and physical health in our hectic lives. The techniques shared in our video are simple yet powerful tools that you can use anytime you feel overwhelmed, stressed or have just been triggered. Remember, the more you use these tools, the faster the nervous system will respond to them. 

We hope you find this video and article helpful. Stay tuned for more mindfulness and breathwork practices to support your journey towards a calmer, more balanced life. 

xx-Jai 

Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into the Yoga Sutras, The Vedas, Upanishads or would like to explore our blog, we have a wealth of information available for you! Better yet, join us in the Vallarta Breeze Yoga Puerto Vallarta Yoga studio, or practice with us online! we’re excited to continue this journey with you. See you on the mat!

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