In my book, Savvy Secrets I explain the nervous
system, particularly the autonomic nervous system which basically acts like a
light switch. We are in either one or
two states, “fight or flight” or rest and (and digest) repair. Why is this
important? Because we cannot meet any of
our health goals if we are constantly in the ON switch for Fight or
Flight.
Rather than
give you an anatomy and physiology lesson, suffice it to say that most of us
are in overdrive stimulating our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) responsible
for fight or flight and need some support in stimulating the para sympathetic
nervous system (PNS) in order to rest, digest, repair, rejuvenate and even to
procreate. Having trouble getting
pregnant? Have high blood pressure? A serious chronic illness? Want to know the
secret to slow down aging? Read on please…
Here’s seven
success tips on how to stimulate the PNS:
#1 BREATHE…Just
Breathe. Deeply into the lower belly with
a longer exhale. Put your hand on you
lower belly and breath into the chest, the side rib cage and then into the
lower belly to the count of 4. Hold your breath for the count of five and then
slowly exhale to the count of 7. Repeat
4 times. You can do this in the car, on
a plane or at your desk. Do this before
meals then think of something you are grateful for. You are now ready to assimilate and digest
your food.
#2 BREATHE. Place
your right thumb over your right nostril to block the breath there and inhale
and exhale through the left nostril. Do this
for 5 -10 minutes in bed before sleep and sleep like a baby
#3 While
deep breathing, scan your entire body starting with the feet. Tense and release
the muscles so that every muscle relaxes. Notice where you are holding your
tension. Better yet, do this to music and dance your tension away. (Let me know
if you want to attend my next yoga dance workshop).
#4 Be
conscious of your thoughts. Recognize the fear that keeps you stuck, Notice the ANTs
(automatic negative thoughts) that fill your brain. Practice re-framing them.
Concentrate on what you want and where you want to go instead.
#5 Be
conscious of what you eat. Food can stimulate your SNS or PNS. Food can give
you lasting energy or artificial stimulation that will leave you tired and
wired. Nicknamed “The energizer bunny,” I can definitely help you here. Write down everything you consume for 3 days.
Simply doing this will improve your health.
.
#6 Discover
your hidden stressors. If you are in metabolic chaos, you may benefit from
additional functional tests to uncover hidden stressors. Some of us can eat all
the right food, exercise and still have hidden toxins and internal imbalances
that need correction. Contact me after the new year when I’ve completed my
certification in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, if you are interested in more
information.
#7 Do have
fun! Find an exercise that is joyful. Some yoga practices stimulate an already
overactive SNS and some stimulate the PNS. Many include an opportunity for both.
Explore and discover the right program for you that takes in to account your
physical limitations as well as your health goals. Try laughter yoga, yin yoga, or dance yoga. Be sure
to find one that you enjoy or you will not stick with it.
Most
important is to give yourself the gift of health every day. Prioritize YOU, become the leader of your
life and everything else will flow more smoothly. Rediscover your health by
relaxing and having fun.
Carpe Diem,
seize the day. Learning to live in the
moment means not ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. Consistently practice these seven steps to
make the most of each day.
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