Relaxation & Recovery
Our nervous system consists of two major divisions: sympathetic and parasympathetic, which work in opposition to create a balance between various bodily functions depending on our needs and circumstances.
The sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to stressful or threatening situations to prepare the body for quick action.
In contrast the parasympathetic nervous system is activated in non-stressful situations, allowing the body to conserve energy and restore. It decreases our heart rate, makes pupils smaller, reduces air flow and increases digestion and metabolism. When the threat passes, the parasympathetic nervous system gradually dampens our stress responses.
Unfortunately, today most of us are under stress far more often than in a parasympathetic relaxing state, which causes continuous disbalance in our nervous system. We chronically miss the relaxation and recovery stage.
It is very beneficial to intentionally provide yourself with opportunities to return to the parasympathetic state. You can do this in a variety of ways, including relaxation techniques, such as
meditation,
breathing practice,
spoken affirmations,
visualisations,
prayer.
You can also do this via a wide range of sports and physical activities, such as
yoga,
hiking,
running,
biking ,
activation and relaxation of muscles,
shaking practice,
and many others.
After sports and physical activities our bodies automatically enter a parasympathetic state.
Being in nature and green areas also brings deep relaxation and allows us to recover. So, please go on walks and bike rides, planed or spontaneous.
Try to do some self-awareness practices in those places, like the exercises on connecting with your sensations, feelings and though that we list above.
Taking care of your health and nutrition is also immensely important, because stressful events often make us deprioritise these things.
Please do not forget to eat regular meals, drink water, get enough sleep, and take care of your body,
because you matter on all levels, including this foundational one, which gets overlooked way to often.
