Day 28 of the 60 Day Ultimate Optimization Challenge

To continue on our mindset and lifestyle category, I want to talk about vagal stimulation. Some researchers like to call it “vagal activation”, because stimulation is its lay term. 

Let’s learn to utilize the vagus nerve to help us optimize. Do you know what it is? The vagus nerve runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. By stimulating it, the nerve tells your body that it’s time to de-stress and relax. 

Studies show that vagal stimulation lowers blood pressure, decreases heart rate, reduces the body's response to stress and improves digestion.

Some examples of vagal stimulation include singing, humming, chanting and gargling, all of which activate these muscles and stimulate your vagus nerve.

Your homework for today is: Try practicing stimulating your vagus nerve and see how you feel!