New Year - New Me: Breathing Practices

It is an exciting time of year. We are jotting our goals, trying to crack the code of “a new me” or maybe we are beginning to make small changes to simply feel better. With that-there is a powerful yet very small change that can take place in any given setting and it has all to do with our breathing. The best part is that it is simple and we can start from wherever we are.

Just a little science behind the driving nerve that is actually activated when breathing, and this mini but mighty nerve is called the vagus nerve. It has the longest course of all the cranial nerves, extending from the head to the abdomen. It's name is derived from the Latin ‘vagary’ – meaning wandering. It is often referred to as the wandering nerve, but I like to call it the “Regulator.”

The vagus nerve has an inhibitory influence upon the sympathetic nervous system activity. In other words, practices with a focus on lengthy exhales-that stimulate the vagus nerve have a calming effect on your body and mind.

These breathing practices shared below focus on stimulating the vagus nerve and can help regain balance if you are either keyed-up with anxiety or shut down with fatigue. Pretty awesome right?

Helpful tips:

*If you tend to have some restriction in your nasal cavity -try pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth and then begin your Exhales.

*Singing and gargling also activate this rad nerve. Just imagine that star singer belting out at the top of their lungs on an exhale.

As we complete the first week of Jan. 2022, please remember to start small, start from where you are and feel good first. Exhale.