Training Your Nervous System?

In this picture there is quite a bit of information but the main thing that I'd like to point out is that the autonomic (think automatic) nervous system is split into two parts: Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. The sympathetic is our fight and flight - it basically activates everything that would help us in a fight situation. The parasympathetic is our rest and relax system - it helps to restore a calm and relaxed state.
In today's world we tend to live in the overactivated or sympathetic state. This imbalance can create many issues including chronic stress, anxiety, pain, burn-out, inflammation, disease and more.
In today's world we need to pay more attention to nervous system balance than ever. Our nervous system doesn't know the difference between a real fight/flight situation and one made up in our minds. It responds exactly the same. 
Some ways that we can improve the health of the nervous system are: stimulate each aspect of our nerves.    

• Move your eye's in their full range of motion. Look all the way left, right, up, down, and large circles. 
• Use a tune up ball to roll the bottom of your feet and hands feeling the sensation and tightness.
• Move your tongue in large circles over your teeth, around the top teeth, bottom teeth - making larger and larger circles with the tongue, reaching further back in the mouth as you progress. Do 5 each direction
• Do four 4-7-8 breaths each day
• Start a mindfulness practice that begins with paying close attention to your breath coming in and going out. Count the breaths up to 20 then start back at 1. Do 10-minutes each day. 
• Do a new/challenging movement or exercise twice each week. Learn new ways to move your body to challenge the system. 

For more information and ideas listing to my entire conversation with Elisabeth here or check it out on Apple, Google or Spotify.

Also check out her free video series at www.brainbased-wellness.com. ​

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