Re-set Your Nervous System: Activates Your Rest and Digest

What do you do when stress takes over? Do you overthink, freeze, or go into fight mode? Stress affects everyone differently, and breaking free from its grip can feel like a battle.

If you’re like me, you may wonder why our bodies react this way. Is there an “off” button to make it stop? While no magic switch exists, there are proven techniques to help regulate your nervous system and restore balance. But before diving into solutions, let’s explore the science behind it.

Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System (ANC)

Your autonomic nervous system (ANC) is the body’s centre for automatic processes, operating behind the scenes to keep you alive and functioning. It has two key components:

1. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Known as the “fight or flight” mode, this system kicks in when your brain perceives a threat, real or imagined.
2. The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Often called the “rest and digest” mode, this system restores calm once the threat has passed.

The ANC is highly responsive to what’s happening around you, often acting before you’re even aware. While the SNS is critical for survival, staying in fight or flight mode for extended periods can disrupt your body’s equilibrium.

So how do you shift from fight or flight to rest and digest?

The Link Between Massages and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Recently, I found myself overwhelmed with stress. I had tried other common techniques but my body was still feeling the bulk of the stress. On a whim, I booked a massage.

During the session, I felt myself tune in to my surroundings—the soothing music, the rhythm of my masseuse’s hands. I surrendered to the experience, letting my body relax completely. What felt like 15 minutes was actually an hour, and when it was over, I walked out feeling relaxed and clear-headed. My body had finally shifted into a parasympathetic state!

Massages work wonders for calming the nervous system, but they’re not the only way to activate your PNS. Techniques like breath work, mindful walking, or immersing yourself in a hobby can have a similar effect—and they’re free!

Changing How We View Stress

It’s easy to see the fight or flight response as an enemy, but it exists to protect you. Instead of letting it prolong in your system, learn how to return to a state of calm after the stress has served its purpose.

By incorporating tools like massages, breathwork, and mindful practices into your routine, you can create a healthier relationship with your ANC. These methods remind your body that it’s safe, allowing you to step back into balance and focus on you.

Finding calm doesn’t have to feel impossible. The right techniques, paired with self-awareness, can help you navigate stress and harness your body’s innate ability to heal. Start small, and let your nervous system guide you back to equilibrium.