Have you heard of “fight or flight”? This is our body’s response to stress or danger, and it comes from the autonomic nervous system (it happens automatically, without thinking about it). The autonomic nervous system actually has two parts, and they work in opposition to each other. The sympathetic nervous system is the side that causes a “fight or flight” reaction. The parasympathetic side causes a “rest and digest” response.
When we enter the “fight or flight” mode, our digestion and immune system shut off and the extra blood supply is sent to the muscles in order to fight the metaphorical tiger or to run from it. Adrenaline courses through our body and we are on edge, ready for anything. Except fighting off that cold that is going around the office, or digesting our lunch. And our body doesn’t distinguish between actual physical danger and “I’m late again, and my boss is gonna kill me!” So when we are stressed out, we are engaging our sympathetic nervous system constantly.
Obviously, this can lead to some problems. Our immune system being shut off means that we are especially susceptible to invasion by any bug we come across. When digestion isn’t happening, our appetites are either gone or very erratic. If we do eat, we often feel queasy or bloated. We can be thoroughly exhausted, but unable to sleep. We need to engage our parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode.
There are many ways to activate the parasympathetic system. As a massage therapist, I am inclined to believe that massage is one of the best methods. Spending an hour just relaxing while someone rubs the tension out of your muscles can be the perfect way to kick-start the “rest and digest” response. Other activities you can use on your own include meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, journaling, petting your dog or cat (or someone else’s), listening to soothing music, and going for a walk.
Remember, there is nothing wrong with a “fight or flight” response, and in fact we need the ability to react quickly when necessary. We just don’t want to get stuck in that mode. It takes a split second for your body to initiate a response to perceived danger, but it takes a while to calm down again afterward. By focusing on engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode, we are allowing our body to stay balanced and really be ready for anything.