Be Tuned Into Your Body
TLDR - When you live a fast paced and stressed life, you become less in tune with your body. As this happens, your autonomic nervous system may struggle to function at appropriate times.
Expanded
In today's fast paced, high stress world, it's easy to lose touch with our bodies and the natural rhythms that govern our health. We often find ourselves constantly on the go, multitasking through meals, and filling every moment with activity or distraction. We are constantly surrounded by physical and emotional stressors. This lifestyle can disrupt the balance of our body's automatic processes, leading to a range of health issues.
Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for regulating many of the body's automatic processes, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It operates in the background, allowing us to focus on other tasks without having to consciously control these vital functions. The ANS is divided into two main branches:
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): Often referred to as the "fight or flight" system, the SNS prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and inhibiting digestion.
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS): Known as the "rest and digest" system, the PNS promotes relaxation, digestion, and recovery by slowing the heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestive processes.
Impact of Modern Life on Our Bodies
In today's world, we are constantly on the go. We often eat our lunches while multitasking at work or have dinner while watching stressful news. As we walk, we frequently look down at our phones. We constantly feel the need to be listening to or doing something, rarely allowing ourselves to simply sit and be present. This constant state of activity and distraction pushes our bodies to rely heavily on the sympathetic nervous system, keeping us in a perpetual state of fight or flight, which can have several negative effects:
Disrupted Digestion: Eating while multitasking or under stress can impair digestion. The body needs to be in a relaxed, parasympathetic state to effectively digest food. When we eat in a hurry, while multi tasking, or while stressed, digestion is compromised.
Impaired Breathing: Constant activity, stress, and prolonged screen time can lead to shallow, rapid breathing, which reduces oxygen intake and contributes to anxiety and fatigue. Proper, deep breathing is essential for maintaining oxygen levels and promoting relaxation.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Your circadian rhythm significantly impacts your autonomic nervous system. Exposure to artificial light, irregular meal times, and constant stimulation can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep quality, hormonal imbalances, and a weakened immune system.
Loss of Mind Body Connection: When we are constantly focused on external activities and distractions, we lose touch with our body's signals and needs. This can lead to a range of issues, from overeating and poor posture to chronic stress and burnout.
Conscious Influence
While the ANS operates largely without our conscious input, we can tap into it through various practices that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and positive emotional states. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can help shift the balance from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). This shift can have a significant impact on our overall health. Not only does it help us become more in tune with our bodies, but it can also reverse the disruptions caused by chronic stress.
The Teachings of Dr. Joe Dispenza
Dr. Joe Dispenza, a renowned teacher and author, has guided many students in tapping into their ANS to achieve many different health outcomes. His teachings emphasize the power of the mind-body connection and how our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs can influence our physical health. By changing how we respond to our environment, we can even impact the way our genes express themselves, a concept known as epigenetics.
Link to Joe Dispenza Post
Ways to Reconnect with Your Body
Mindful Eating: Take time to eat your meals without distractions. Focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. Chew slowly and thoroughly to aid digestion and give your body time to signal when it's full.
Deep Breathing: Practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing to promote relaxation and improve oxygen intake. Set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and let go of stress. There are many different types of breathing exercises. I would recommend the e-Course through this link.
Regular Sleep Schedule: Establish a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Limit exposure to artificial light in the evening and create a relaxing bedtime routine to support your circadian rhythm.
Take Breaks: Allow yourself to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Step outside for a walk, practice mindfulness, or simply sit quietly and observe your surroundings.
Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve concentration and reduce stress. This can help you stay present and more in tune with your body's needs.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals, such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, and pain. Respond to these signals promptly to maintain balance and prevent issues from escalating.
If You’re Feeling Adventurous
Many people have learned to tap into their autonomic nervous system through various forms of muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology. While this may seem a bit 'woo' to some, I highly encourage it, as I have found it extremely helpful in my healing journey.