the power of a grounded nervous system
photo by daniela marchione
If you follow us on instagram you may have seen our post last week about the power of a grounded nervous system. The nervous system plays an integral role in our everyday life and overall well-being. It controls the most complex aspects of our lives such as thought, memory, learning, as well as the often-overlooked breathing, balancing, hearing, tasting, feeling (and a ton more). Allowing ourselves the freedom of a grounded nervous system let’s us experience life in it’s fullest capacity and live our authentic truth. It allows us to discern what is (and is not) for us, to heal at a faster pace, to age at a slower rate, and to help regulate those around us - such as our friends, family, and other community members. The reality we currently live in is fast-paced and high-pressure. We’re constantly connected, plugged in, and saturated in stress hormones. Additionally, we are living under the unrealistic expectations of modern-day society and inundated with a blend of forever chemicals (in our food & water systems, body care, clothing, and household items). All of this can leave our bodies in a constant state of distress - we are moving faster than ever and consuming at a rapid pace. For many, alignment has gone to the wayside. The stressors that surround us are creating a sicker-than-ever society and a life that feels.. well.. quite honestly, unfulfilled. Of course, none of this is to scare or overwhelm you, it is simply to drive home how important it is to take care of ourselves. To create a life that brings us joy, we must first create a safe space our body can thrive in.
Stress, poor sleep habits, traumatic events, conflict, depression, anxiety, diet.. these can all lead to dysregulation. External factors certainly play a large role and yes, there is only so much we can do on a personal level with regard to some of this list (including trauma and stress). However, there is a ton we can do to combat these stressors and to help ourselves heal. Without providing a laundry list of chores and a 10-step routine, here are 5 simple ways to create space for yourself and activate your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
1. Sleep Hygiene; creating a clean and distraction-free zone for your bedtime ritual is key. When we sleep our body repairs itself and a number of important brain functions occur. Toxins in the brain are swept away and important bodily functions occur as we rest. Plus, a good night sleep allows us to act more securely, think clearly, and slow down. Make sure all tech is silenced or on a quiet setting, try to avoid blue-light (from computers, iPad, phones) before your bedtime ritual, and clear any clutter to honor the space around you.
2. Breathwork; breathing intentionally signals to the PNS that you are safe and allows the body to rest & digest. Diaphragmatic breath, 4-count breath, 4/2/6 count breath, and belly breathing all slow the body and allow us to restore control. Breathwork calls in a calm, balanced, healing energy. Intentional breath may also help with insomnia and anxiety (try a few minutes of breathwork in your bedroom oasis!) For more information on ways to incorporate breath into your wellness toolbox, reach out to us for a 1:1 consult.
3. Sound Bath; Sound healing through singing bowls and crystal bowls can re-calibrate the body, this turns off the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to let us repair and heal. Sound baths can be deeply healing and immersive altering brainwaves to alleviate stress and regulate emotions. Our sound baths are a true full-body experience that may adjust energetics and help to restore the mind, body, and spirit. We firmly believe in the magical power of sound and hope to offer more experiences this fall.
4. Grounding; nature heals. In previous posts you’ve seen us share the curing power of the sun and salt-water. Like the medicinal qualities of these natural elements, other aspects of the Earth offer peace and presence. Through our physical senses we are able to get out of our mind and connect back to our body. We are reminded that we belong to a much larger picture and let go of ego. If all you have is 15 minutes today, take a moment to gaze at the ocean, marvel at the sunrise, or walk barefoot on the grass.
5. Move your body; may it be a gentle walk by the water, barre, power yoga, swimming, or dancing - getting up and moving your body will help maintain good oxygen levels, strong blood flow, improve your mood and memory, release sticky energetic residue. Exercise drops the stress hormone and increases neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Bonus: exercise also encourages insulin-like growth factors that promote new neurons. Score! At blackbird we know the power of movement and we like to shout it from the rooftops.. but we also know life is cyclical and some days you may need to slow down, others you want to speed up! That’s why we offer a little bit of everything; check out our current group fitness schedule (here). If group fitness isn’t your jam, we also offer 1:1 appointments and other personalized offerings. See our website for more details.
We hope that helps - and remember, you don’t have to do all the things all the time! One or two small changes daily add up. See where you can layer in one of these PNS supporting practices and start to call in the conscious life that you deserve. Remember, the true measure of success is a calm nervous system.
Meet you on your mat.
team blackbird
author — erinn cavanagh
