YOUR VAGUS NERVE

Have you ever noticed how your heart starts racing when you’re stressed, your stomach gets upset when you’re anxious, or you feel completely exhausted after a really overwhelming day? That’s not all in your head and you are not alone. Your brain and your body are constantly talking to each other, and one part of that conversation involves the vagus nerve. So, let’s chat about the vagus nerve, what it has to do with stress, and how we can start listening to what our body is trying to tell us.

The vagus nerve travels from your brainstem down through your neck and into your chest and abdomen. It plays a role in things like your heart rate, digestion, breathing, and how your body responds to stress. I like to think of your nervous system as having a gas pedal and a brake.

When you’re stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or constantly “on,” it can feel like your foot is stuck on the gas. The vagus nerve is part of the system that helps your body slow down and move toward the brakes.

And here’s the part I think is really important: Sometimes you know you’re safe, but your body hasn’t caught up yet.

You can tell yourself, “I’m okay. Nothing is wrong. I need to relax.” But your body might still be tense. Your heart might still be racing. Your stomach might still be upset. You might feel exhausted, restless, disconnected, or like you just can’t fully shut your brain off or feel grounded. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. And let me be clear: stress isn’t literally “stored” in your vagus nerve, but ongoing stress can keep your nervous system activated, and that activation can show up in your body in ways you may not immediately connect back to stress. And let me tell you, this happens more than we realize, including during those special events and moments that you absolutely DO NOT want to feel this way.

Think about it this way:

Stress happens → your nervous system activates → your body reacts → the stressor passes → but your body doesn’t completely settle…then another stressor comes along. Your nervous system never fully had a chance to come back down, and then you start wondering, “Why am I feeling like this? Nothing is even happening right now.” 

So, how do we support our nervous system? You don't need an expensive device. You don't need a complicated routine. Truly. Regulation is about helping your nervous system develop more flexibility, in a way that feels safe and controlled. Being able to activate when you need to and then gradually return toward a calmer state of functioning.

Some simple things that can help support that process include:

* Taking slow, comfortable breaths

* Moving your body regularly

* Getting enough sleep

* Spending time with people who make you feel safe

* Taking intentional breaks when you're overwhelmed

* Practicing mindfulness or relaxation

* Giving yourself permission to slow down instead of constantly pushing through

The vagus nerve is just one snapshot of the bigger picture, but learning more about how our nervous system works can be such a helpful reminder when it feels like our bodies are working against us. Because the truth is…your body is trying to protect you. I know how challenging this can be, both personally and professionally. Whether you're working through anxiety, autoimmune discomfort, grief, depression, chronic stress, or simply trying to improve your overall wellness, your body and what it’s communicating to you deserve your attention.

Sometimes the most important step to your healing and sense of comfort isn't trying to “calm down.” Sometimes it's learning to listen to what your body has been trying to tell you all along.

Kindly,

Julie