हिंदी
When we experience stress and anxiety, our nervous system enters fight-or-flight mode as a stress response, making the body feel more alert. This state of heightened alertness is crucial for survival and we naturally transition in and out of it. However, constant stressors, anxiety, or past trauma can keep us in this heightened state, negatively affecting the nervous system, body, and mind.
Here are five ways to nourish the nervous system:
- Cold showers: Taking cold showers helps release stress and tension from the body, supports healthy nervous system function, and reduces the frequency of infections.
- Heat exposure: Using heating pads, hot showers, or hot baths has anti-inflammatory effects and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Massage and touch: Healthy massage and touch send signals to the nervous system indicating safety, which helps relax cardiovascular stress.
- Reduce caffeine: Caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress hormones. Reducing caffeine intake can help nourish the nervous system.
- Weighted items: Adding weight, such as using weighted blankets or giving firm hugs, provides proprioceptive input to the body and mind, helping the nervous system feel safe and supported.
