Tips To Keep The Nervous System Regulated During The Holidays

1. The Power of Breath
So simple but powerful. Our inhalation is linked to the sympathetic branch of our nervous system (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) think gasping when startled and our exhale is linked to the parasympathetic branch (relaxation/digestion/healing) think a relaxing sigh. The simple act of pausing to focus on your breath and extending your exhale sends a signal of safety to your body and can massively reduce your reactivity - an essential toll when dealing with in-laws, children, tense turkey situations and the other joys of the holidays. 

2. Gratitude

A concept built into Thanksgiving, the act of fully feeling into gratitude shows measurable positive shifts in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) which measures the balance in the Autonomic Nervous System. Also, by focussing on gratitude we program the Reticular Activating System in the brain to keep looking for and filtering in positive things. 

3. Boundaries

The holidays are such a great opportunity to set boundaries - it can be challenging especially with complex family dynamics. Feeling overwhelmed sends the nervous system straight into sympathetic mode. Understand what you need, communicate it clearly, be respectful but assertive and consistent. 

4. Connection

The holidays are an opportunity to create connection. The nervous system is wired for connection and protection. Coregulation can be very powerful - the more you can keep your own nervous system regulated, the better you will be able to have a calming effect on others and connect more. 

5. Play

Play doesn’t tend to feature heavily in adult lives - we might not even think about it. A certain brain state is required to play - to ditch productivity and duty to drop into lower, more relaxing brainwave states. Playing with toys with kids, decorating holiday cookies or whatever is play to you, sends a signal of safety to the nervous system. 

At Rē Precision Health we teach tools to regulate the nervous system through education and immersive experiences online and in our bubbles of paradise in Mexico and Portugal. Our programs have positively impacted (and even saved) hundreds of lives. 

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All information provided in our resources in for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace a medical/mental health professional.