It is no secret that we live in a stressful world. Most of us are being pulled in several different directions all at once. It seems that we live in a reality that tells us the busier we are, the better off we are. However, study after study has revealed how detrimental stress can be to our overall health. Stress can have a large impact on both your physical and your mental health. For this reason, people should be finding ways to manage the stress that they feel in their lives. Revelation Chiropractic is here to talk about what managing stress and your vagus nerve have in common.
How a Fight or Flight Response Can be Harmful if It isn’t Managed
You have more than likely heard of a fight or flight response. This is how your body reacts to stress. Under high stress, he is going to try and decide whether or not it should flee or stay and fight. When you are experiencing high amounts of stress there will be hormones like cortisol and adrenaline coursing through your body. If this is happening constantly, it can start to have an impact on your health in a negative way. Some issues that can arise from chronic high stress include:
– Gut inflammation
– Mood swings
– Anxiety
– Pain
– & More
How the Vagus Nerve Fights Stress
The vagus nerve is one of the cranial nerves in your body. It can help combat this fight or flight response your body has to stress. In place of a fight or flight response the vagus nerve can help you find relaxation and calm you down. It is in fact, a major part of how your brain functions. When you find ways to stimulate the vagus nerve you will see a host of health benefits as a result.
How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve
One of the best ways to stimulate the vagus nerve is through deep breaths that come from your abdomen. When you breathe slowly as well as deeply it can help stimulate that nerve to help you find peace in your life. Usually, when you experience sudden stress or high stress situations, your body reacts by stopping breathing or taking sudden shallow breaths. This makes your body feel more tense and the sensation of fear and doubt. Other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve include:
– Massage
– Eating a high fiber diet
– Laughter
– Spinal alignments by a chiropractor
– Meditation
Chiropractic Care & Therapy in Fort Collins, CO (Just Minutes from Loveland, Berthoud, Johnstown, Windsor and Wellington, Colorado)
If you are looking for ways to manage the stress in your life, we highly encourage stimulating your vagus nerve. At Revelation Chiropractic, it is our goal to help you live your healthiest life. Through regular spinal adjustments, we can help you stimulate your vagus nerve and help your body cope with stress in a more healthy way. Call us today!
