how to turn on the parasympathetic nervous system

It is a two-way highway that transfers messages from the brain to the body (slowing down the breathing, slowing down the heart rate) AND from the body to the brain. The Vagus Nerve is responsible for switching us into the PSNS - 'rest and digest' mode. The PSNS is called the 'rest and digest' mode and when we are in that type of stimulation our heart beats slower, our digestion speeds up and we are able to absorb nutrients. The SNS is called the 'fight or flight' mode and it is responsible for mobilising our energy (we sweat, our digestion slows down, our heart rate speeds up, we take fast, shallow breaths using the muscles around the upper chest and shoulders). The ANS has two branches: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS). By understanding how the ANS works, we can better understand how we can work with the breath to help us feel calmer. The Autonomic Nervous System and breathingīreathing is one of the bodily functions that is controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Here we’ll look at what taking a ‘deep breath’ actually means, and how it can help calm you. People often say ‘take a deep breath’ when we’re feeling like this but what does this mean and why should we do it? Many of us are feeling stressed and anxious at the moment due to the changes taking place around us. Here are some ideas for how you can relax and be mindful: When people are being ‘mindful’ they are taking active steps to reconnect with themselves.īeing more aware of the present can help our mental health and wellbeing as it lets us enjoy the world around us, as well as to understand ourselves and how we’re feeling.

Mindfulness is all about slowing down and paying attention to the present moment.

How to turn on the parasympathetic nervous system