Vagus Nerve and Stress

The vagus nerve, known as “the Great Wanderer,” is responsible for activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and calm in the body. The vagus nerve helps balance the nervous system, maintaining homeostasis in the body and promoting a state of calm and relaxation.

For women, vagus nerve stimulation is extremely beneficial for hormonal balance, gut health and mental well-being. Since the vagus nerve influences digestion and the gut microbiome, increasing vagal activity can also support better absorption of nutrients, reduce bloating and improve overall metabolic function.

What Happens When We Are Stressed

The modern world we live in is filled with constant movement, digital distractions and high pressure. Smartphones, social media and the pressure to always be connected to our devices have led to a state of chronic stress and a lack of true human connection. We are spending more time scrolling and less time connecting and holding conversations of substance. Our brains are rarely at rest and instead are in a constant state of overstimulation.

Stress is the body’s natural response to a threat whether real or perceived. When exposure to stress is prolonged — as it often is in modern-day life — the sympathetic nervous system remains activated. This leads to increased heart rate, rapid breathing and elevated adrenaline levels. Therefore, the vagus nerve cannot activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the nervous system slowly becomes dysregulated and the body falls out of balance. This can result in digestive issues, heart problems, fatigue, headaches, anxiety and a variety of other symptoms, eventually leading to inflammation and chronic disease.

Benefits of Increasing Vagus Nerve Activity

Stimulating the vagus nerve helps the body build resilience to stress, lowers cortisol levels and enhances digestion.When the vagus nerve is toned, meaning it is functioning optimally and effectively, the body can shift more easily from a state of stress to a state of calm and relaxation which improves mental, emotional and physical health.

The benefits of vagus nerve activation are endless. Additional benefits include better sleep quality, enhanced emotional regulation, better ability to respond to stress, reduced inflammation, improved heart health, enhanced cognitive function and improved brain health, among others.