The vagus nerve is an important part of the body’s nervous system, running from the brain stem to the abdomen and controls many bodily functions. The vagus nerve exercises you can include as part of your daily routine can have several benefits on your overall health, including reduced stress levels, improved digestion, as well as a boost in immune function. But what exercises are best for activating the vagus nerve?
During this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective exercises that you can start doing today to reap these benefits. We’ll also look at why it’s so important to exercise your vagus nerve in the first place. Read on to learn more!
An Effective Breathing Technique
One of the most effective vagus nerve exercises is diaphragmatic breathing. This type of breathing, also known as “belly breathing” or “deep breathing”, helps to activate the vagus nerve and encourages relaxation.
To do this exercise, find a comfortable position, such as lying down on your back or sitting up in a chair. Place one hand on your chest and the other one on your stomach, then take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing the air to fill your belly first before expanding into the chest. Gently exhale through the mouth, pushing all of the air out until you’re empty.
This technique can be done for as little as five minutes a day and is especially useful for reducing stress levels and improving overall mental health.
Yoga & Meditation
Yoga and meditation are also excellent vagus nerve exercises that can help activate the nerve. Yoga has been found to reduce anxiety and depression, while meditation helps to improve focus, attention, and self-awareness.
Both of these activities can be done in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to reap the vagus nerve benefits without needing to leave the house.
It is worth reading up on these two options because they are something that anyone can take part in with a little knowledge and the desire to spend time doing it. They are very relaxing, so that has to be a good thing to help cope with stress, anyway.
We can all get ourselves wound up and then not know how to uncoil the spring. Know some relaxation techniques to help. This will help you and those around you who might be subjected to your release of anger, otherwise.
Device Stimulation
In addition to these exercises, there are numerous vagal stimulation devices available on the market today. These devices use electrical stimulation to activate the vagus nerve and improve overall health.
However, it’s important to note that these devices should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
A good place to start with these devices is to look at a website, or several websites, and compare the different features and conditions the devices are considered to treat. Then take that information away and consult a doctor on their opinion concerning your particular condition. They will have views but ultimately if it is declared safe for you then it will be your decision as to whether to try it.
If nothing is currently helping you, then you may be a candidate for something like VNS or vagus nerve stimulation treatment. This might be a lesser-known nerve in the body but one that can have a significant impact on your health and well-being.
Conclusion
Overall, vagus nerve exercises are an effective way to improve your health and well-being. Whether you choose diaphragmatic breathing, yoga, meditation, or vagal stimulation devices, doing any of the above can have a positive effect on vagus nerve activity. So why not give these exercises a try today and start reaping the vagus nerve benefits? Good luck!