Published on:
25. April 2024
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STRESS LESS - 6 tips to calm your nervous system

In our hectic and fast-paced world, where digital information floods and constant accessibility are the order of the day, more and more people feel overwhelmed and stressed. One of the main problems that arises from this stress is an overstimulated nervous system. We have 6 tips that you can use to regulate your nervous system and thereby make an important contribution to more relaxation and well-being.

What exactly is an overstimulated nervous system? Our nervous system is made up of two main components: the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves that connect to the rest of the body). When our nervous system is overstimulated, it means it is put into a persistent state of alert due to constant stress or overstimulation. This causes us to constantly feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, even when there is no obvious reason for it.

This constant state of alarm can lead to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and even physical ailments such as gastrointestinal problems and headaches. However, with the help of various measures, it is possible to free yourself from this state and regulate and rebalance the nervous system. Here are some proven methods:

 

  1. Breathing exercises : Consciously controlling our breathing can have an immediate effect on our nervous system. Deep abdominal breathing or breathing techniques such as the 4-7-8 method can help calm the body and reduce stress.

 

  1. Meditation & Mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness practices can help calm the mind and promote deep relaxation. Regularly practicing meditation can help regulate the nervous system in the long term and reduce the body's stress response.

 

  1. Exercise: Physical activity, especially gentle exercises such as yoga or tai chi, can help relax the body and reduce tension in the nervous system.

 

  1. Healthy diet & nerve nourishment: A balanced diet rich in nutrients can help support the nervous system and reduce the body's stress response. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can be very helpful. B vitamins such as vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 are also particularly valuable for our nervous system.

 

  1. Relaxation techniques: Various relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training or biofeedback can help to relax the body and regulate the nervous system.

 

  1. Sufficient sleep: A regular sleep-wake rhythm and sufficient sleep are crucial for the regeneration of the nervous system. Lack of sleep can lead to a worsening of the symptoms of an overstimulated nervous system, so it is important to pay attention to good sleep hygiene and sufficient rest periods.
It is important to note that everyone is different and not all methods of regulating the nervous system are equally effective for everyone. It can be helpful to try different techniques and find out what works best for you. In addition, if symptoms of an overstimulated nervous system are severe or do not improve with self-help measures, it may be worth seeking professional help. A psychologist or therapist can offer personalized treatment options to regulate the nervous system and promote better mental health in the long term.