Cold showers stimulates your immune system by increasing the white blood cells in the body which protect against diseases.

If you are in ‘sympathetic dominance’ which is considered to be an imbalance in how your nervous system controls your body, you are considered to be stuck in the ‘fight or flight’ mode. Doing slow and nourishing Yoga classes like Restorative will help you to feel more relaxed and to slow the heart rate down.

You can also try child’s pose, reclined bound angle, legs up the wall and a supported bridge pose to help provide a sense of calm.

Using breath work as well as meditation is a clinically proven way to release stress and to drop more into your parasympathetic nervous system or ‘rest and digest’ state. Start by trying alternate nostril breathing or inhaling for 4 and exhaling for 8 for a few rounds.

A part of healing comes with balancing and honouring a regular sleep pattern. Sleep deprivation leads to health problems and increased stress so start supporting yourself by balancing your circadian rhythm.

Circadian rhythms are 24 hour cycles that are part of your body’s internal clock carrying out essential functions and processes. Your sleep-wake cycle is one of the most important!

Block out times to do 1 piece of work. Leave your phone in another room. Practice doing 1 thing at a time rather than multiple. Bringing our awareness on 1 thing we are doing rather than multiple not only increases the effectiveness of what we are doing but also releases the stress of anxiously trying to get more than we can handle done.

The Earth is a gigantic magnet. Its electromagnetic field which protects all life has a natural frequency or 7.83 hz also known as the ‘Schumann Resonance”. 7.83 hz is also our alpha brain wave’s frequency which is a state which promotes relaxation. Reduce your daily overload to manmade signals such as phones, laptops, radiation from the outside World and walk outside to tune in to nature’s signal!

Massages move toxins and lymph throughout the body subsequently releasing any stress, tiredness and stagnant energy within. Aim to get a massage once a month, for an hour.

Many people with ‘sympathetic dominance’ have digestion and elimination issues. This can be overcome by eating the right food as close to as nature intended, good eating habits and whole food supplements. This will heal and support the digestive system.

Did you know that your brain takes about twenty percent of our daily energy intake? This means the food we eat effects our brain.
Start by eating a balanced diet that includes good levels of B-12, D vitamins and healthy fats. Fish, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, green leafy vegetables and sea vegetables have also been shown to be calming to the nervous system.

Another part of eating well and helping your nervous system is by reducing your intake of stimulants such as caffeine and sugar. If you have a lot of caffeine or sugar daily, start step by step and maybe reducing in small amounts.

Balancing your metabolism helps to eliminate toxic metals and restore the autonomic to optimal functioning. Balancing your oxidation rate means increased energy production and energy efficiency in the body. Having a balanced metabolism provides an optimum physical and chemical environment in which millions of your enzymes can function best.

The human body is naturally self-healing, however the World we live in means we are loaded with toxic chemicals from the food we eat, water we drink and shower with as well as electrical devices we use. Having tools that you use regularly to detoxify your body with will help your nervous system but also your body generally.

Some ideas you could try include using a infrared lamp sauna, foot reflexology, chiropody, use a salt lamp in your home, use water filters, use EMF protectors for your electrical devices.

Balancing our nervous system and the health of our bodies comes with consistency.
Think rest and sleep. Earlier to bed. Learn to slow down your thinking, eating and moving. Start each day slowly and mindfully. Take walks outside. Deep breaths. Use essential oils.

The human body is made up of 70-80% water yet many of us do not get enough water and are often dehydrated. Staying hydrated means your nervous system can easily communicate with the body; as it is designed to do. Staying hydrated means your brain functions optimally too.

Consisting of the brain and spinal cord, the central nervous system is the powerhouse and the main communication centre of the whole body. From their deep roots within the spinal cord, your spinal nerves spread out to serve every part of your system. In the cord, intercommunication happens, impulses travel fast up and down sensory and motor fibres to and from the brain so keeping your spine healthy is key.

When your spine is not in appropriate alignment, the messages that are carried through the spine are interrupted and delivered slower. Regularly seeing a Chiropractor may be able to help you.

Studies have shown us that sun reduces the risk of suffering a broad range of health conditions. It is one of the best ways of looking after the health of the central nervous system. Exposing yourself to the sunlight every day for about 10 minutes can help you boost your vitamin D and to nourish your nervous system.

Walking barefoot allows the human body to connect to the Earth which can aid the nervous system, improve your health as well as physiology. Walking barefoot has also been shown to strengthen the immune system plus many other benefits!

Difficult experiences, events and trauma can build up unwanted energy which doesn’t serve us in the nervous system.
Be mindful of who you spend your time with, what you do and how your body reacts to these experiences. Remember, your body is always speaking to you!

Your brain and nervous system loves healthy fats! The nerve cells are wrapped in a protective coating called Myelin and evidence has shown that increasing your uptake of healthy fats can stop the erosion of it.

Healthy fats can include avocado, nuts and fish for example.

Our Society glorifies “pushing ourselves non stop” rather than sharing the benefits long term of resting and relaxing. When we do rest, many of us scroll on social media or watch TV which can still be too stimulating.
Your nervous system truly craves space and silence.

You could try the below:

∙drawing
∙yoga nidra
∙gardening
∙float therapy
∙restorative yoga
∙listen to calming music

Hugging and cuddling is known to release endorphins and oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone” ultimately helping with stresses and anxieties.