Does it ever feel like life is moving so quickly that you struggle to keep up with the pace?
It is no secret that we live in a fast-paced world where moments of calm are fleeting. At the same time, most of us desire quiet moments of connection, peace, and calm. When they are missing, we often feel like there is something wrong with us or that we are doing something wrong.
The truth is, the pace of our world stimulates our nervous system. Just by being a living human being in today’s world, it is common to get stuck in the fight-or-flight mode of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), making it hard to relax, manage stress, and find peace. The good news is that we haven’t done anything wrong.
The better news is that there are things we can do to nourish our rest and digest mode of the parasympathetic nervous system so that moments of calm become more available in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
At PeaceFull LIVING, we believe in the importance of understanding how our nervous system works so we can bring peace, calm, and harmony to our lives.
Understanding Your Nervous System
Our nervous system is composed of two main components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS is like the gas pedal, preparing us to face challenges by increasing our heart rate, directing blood flow to muscles, and releasing stress hormones. This response is essential for immediate survival but can become problematic if activated too frequently or for extended periods. Take a look at the list of things that activate the SNS.
How many of these do you experience in your daily life?
● Screen time
● Social media
● ZOOM calls
● Traffic
● Work or School
● Difficult relationships
● Pressure to perform
● Grief
● Parenting
● Trying to get pregnant
● Over Scheduling ourselves
● Too much time indoors
● Planning, organizing and prioritizing life events
● Financial stress
● Being on the go
● Traveling
● Not taking time for proper nutrition
● Intense exercise
● Competitive sports
● Dehydration
● Past trauma
● Loud, crowded spaces
● Illness, injury and chronic pain
● Skipping meals/Poor nutrition
● Public Speaking
● Meeting new people
● Making big life decisions
When we get stuck in SNS overdrive, it can be difficult to calm down, rest, and manage stress. This imbalance can manifest in various ways, from chronic stress and anxiety to difficulties in sleep, focus, and daily functioning.
Opposite from the SNS is the PNS. The PNS acts as the brake or pause button, promoting relaxation, digestion, and recovery. When we nourish the PNS, our body has the ability to enjoy genuine rest. It is with genuine rest that we can heal, recover and manage the day to day stress life brings us.
The SNS is a counterbalance to the PNS, allowing the body to rest and heal. Supporting the PNS is crucial for achieving a balanced state where both systems work harmoniously. By nurturing our PNS, we can foster a state of calm and resilience, essential for overall well-being. Take a look at the list of things that activate the PNS.
How many of these do you experience in your daily life?
● Sleep
● Gentle Yoga
● Yin Yoga
● Breathing
● Facial Reflexology
● Meditation
● Prayer
● Infrared Light - sauna, sunrise, sunset, candlelight, fire
● Walking barefoot in nature
● Spending time outdoors in natural light
● Sounds of nature
● Digital downtime
● Being in or near water
● Dry brushing
● Acupuncture
● Massage
● Quiet spaces
● Down time
● Pets
● Nourishing foods
● Cooking or creating things with your hands
● Coloring
● Gardening
● Reading a book (non digital)
● Playing an instrument
● Writing or journaling
● Meaningful relationships
● Hydration
● Creating a bedtime routine and sleep schedule
● Earthing
● Aromatherapy
● Sitting on an Infrared Mat or heating pad
Engaging in these activities can help shift the body from a state of stress and activation (sympathetic dominance) to a state of relaxation and recovery (parasympathetic dominance).
Cultivating A Peaceful Heart
A peaceful heart is one that beats in sync with both the active and restorative functions of our nervous system, allowing us to face life's challenges with grace and ease. By learning and practicing techniques that activate the parasympathetic nervous system, it is possible to cultivate a life where we feel more peace in our hearts and reduce the impact of stress in our lives.
When learning something new, it is difficult to do it on your own. At PeaceFull Living, we specialize in creating individualized stress support plans that consider your specific circumstances and goals.
Here are some of the techniques we use to help you activate your PNS and achieve a state of harmony, calm, and resilience:
Gentle Yoga Promotes deep, controlled breathing that activates the PNS. Encourages slow, mindful movements that calm the nervous system. Reduces muscle tension and stress, aiding relaxation.
Yin Yoga Involves holding poses for extended periods, fostering deep relaxation. Stretches and stimulates the connective tissues, promoting parasympathetic activation. Enhances mindfulness and inner peace, supporting rest and recovery.
Guided Meditation Regular meditation practice can activate the PNS, bringing a sense of calm and improving overall well-being. The PeaceFull Living video library offers both short and long guided meditation sessions tailored to your preferences and challenges, helping you cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. Benefits of guided meditation include reducing anxiety and stress, encouraging a restful mind, supporting mental clarity and emotional balance, and aiding in overall healing.
Tranquil Touch Facial Reflexology This gentle technique helps stimulate the parasympathetic response, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. As we activate and massage facial reflexology points, your body surrenders to a deep state of rest where stress becomes manageable and tension melts away. Most people experience better sleep, pain relief, a better mood, and support for the body's natural healing process.
Personalized Coaching At PeaceFull Living, we recognize that one size does not fit all. We focus on tailored strategies to integrate PNS-nourishing practices into your daily life, provide dependable support and guidance to manage stress effectively, and encourage the development of personalized self-care routines. This might include personalized recommendations for lifestyle adjustments, relaxation techniques, and other therapeutic practices that align with your goals and lifestyle so you can consistently nurture the power of relaxation and recovery in your day to day routines.
In conclusion, cultivating a peaceful heart and utilizing the tools offered through practices such as Gentle Yoga, Yin Yoga, Guided Meditation, Tranquil Touch Facial Reflexology, and personalized coaching can profoundly balance your nervous system. By actively engaging in these nurturing activities, you invite a state of relaxation and tranquility into your life, counteracting the stressors that often activate the sympathetic nervous system. Embracing these practices allows your parasympathetic nervous system to flourish, promoting rest, healing, and recovery. As you integrate these tools into your daily routine, you'll discover a deeper sense of calm, resilience, and overall well-being. Remember, a peaceful heart leads to a balanced life, and with the right practices, you can achieve harmony within yourself and your surroundings.
About the Author
Roberta Hughes is a certified meditation, Pilates, and yoga instructor and the owner of PeaceFull Living, which specializes in helping individuals with personal growth and self-care. Roberta provides customized guidance so students can make the most of their practice and reach their unique goals. She also offers a complimentary Discovery Call to help new students identify their goals and choose the best program for their needs. If you're looking for personalized instruction from an experienced teacher, contact Roberta today through the PeaceFull Living website.
Engage with Us! Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on cultivating a peaceful heart. Browse our blog for additional tips and stories to support your journey towards inner peace and well-being.
Comments