How to Get from “Stressed Out to “Blissed Out”

It’s safe to say that many of us are operating in a “stressed out” state much of the time. Even if we don’t feel stressed, we are rushing around, working through our lunch, and watching screens too often. This means that we are living in a state of sympathetic dominance, when the “fight or flight” part of our nervous system is in charge. We are used to living like this, day in and day out, and it may even feel normal. 

Now can you recall the feeling when you have been really relaxed? Maybe it was after a massage, yoga, or snuggling with your pet. When the parasympathetic nervous system or “rest and digest” system is activated, our heart rate and breathing rates are slowed and our blood pressure is lowered. When we are relaxed, stress is relieved (obviously!), and digestion, concentration, and memory are improved. What are other benefits? Improved blood sugar control and immune system function, better sleep and mood, reduced pain, and muscle relaxation. 

How can we incorporate more “rest and digest” into the day to achieve some of these benefits? Here is a list of practices that will activate the parasympathetic nervous system and result in relaxation. The list isn’t exhaustive, but it includes many great ideas to try. Just pick one or two a week to start: 

Humming

Gargling

Grounding

Mantras/chanting

Cold water immersion

Visualization

Meditation

Praying

Singing

Breathwork/belly breathing

Massage

Cuddling

Hugging

Sauna

Praying

Qi Gong

Yoga

Gratitude

Being in nature/forest bathing

Creating art

Yawning

Sunshine exposure

Listening to music at a specific frequency

Acupuncture/ear seeds

If the stress feels out of control, please reach out for help.

And please take care of yourself!

xoxo,

Dr. Alia