Finding balance and peace in our lives can feel like more of a struggle than ever. Between the constant digital stimulation and the pressure to always do better, it can be pretty stressful being a human being these days. That being said, learning how to regulate our nervous system can bring us peace and inner calm even amongst our daily stressors.
Here are some of my top tips for how to regulate your nervous system.
nature
Get outside—nature is medicine for the nervous system. Whenever I’m having a bad day, I try to get outside as soon as I can. Being amongst the trees and in the fresh air immediately improves my mood.
Here are some ideas:
- go on a hike
- forest bathe
- swim in a river, lake, or the ocean
calm your surroundings
Create a calm space for yourself free of unnecessary stimuli to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
- listen to calm music
- use aromatherapy, such as lavender (my essential oil diffuser is no longer sold online, but here’s a similar one)
- warm lighting
basic self-care
Make time for yourself to tend to your needs and do the things that feed your soul.
- get good sleep, at least 8 hours
- maintain basic hygiene
- eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of healthy fats
- practice self-compassion
mindfulness and breathwork
Practice mindfulness and breathwork to create a peaceful inner space.
- deep breathing and breathwork (Breathwrk or Wim Hof Method Breathing app)
- meditation (I love the Insight Timer app)
- practice mindfulness (here are easy ways to practice mindfulness that aren’t meditation)
- body scan
energy release and movement
Release stagnant energy within the body to create more space for calm. These activities can help release energy stuck in the body, especially negative energy, helping you to feel lighter and more free.
- somatic shaking, by physically moving your body to shake off built-up energy
- dancing
- working out
- yoga
- singing
- chanting
- cold plunges and ice baths
- ice facials
- deep sighing
- humming
- squeezing a stress ball
touch and connection
Find ways to touch and connect either with others or with yourself to elevate endorphins and oxytocin.
- hug, cuddle, and embrace loved ones
- ground yourself
- walk barefoot
- try a weighted blanket
- EFT tapping
- massage
- butterfly hug
- placing your hand over your heart
simple joys
Make time every day to take part in the simple pleasures of life. After all, it’s always been about the little moments.
- laugh (watch or read something funny)
- make a cup of tea or coffee
- pet an animal
- make art
regulate your nervous system for inner peace
Regulating our nervous systems can be a bit of an uphill battle considering the lives many of us lead, but it’s worth it. A calm nervous system means inner peace—the inner stillness that provides us with the clarity and contentment for life that so many of us crave.
I hope you’ll try out some of these tips and find what works best for you. Good luck and I wish you calm, peaceful days ahead.
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