5 Practices for Soothing Your Nervous System and Strengthening Immunity

Written by Halie Devlin

We are in a space in time where the collective energy of fear is like a dark and heavy cloak we can find ourselves swimming in. In order to move through it we must first allow ourselves to feel it, and then ultimately allow that darkness to catalyze us to take action and return us to our values. Connection is as essential to our health and wellbeing as water and we musn’t forget that now. The 5 practices below for calming your nervous system and strengthening immunity are meant to help you fill your cup – to let you put on your proverbial oxygen mask first so that you can then help others. We cannot serve from an empty vessel – so remember that self-care is not selfish…it is actually essential if we are going to show up fully for this world.

So here they are:

1. SHAKE IT OUT: You might put on some music and dance. If that isn’t accessible given your circumstances then literally shake: shake one arm and then the other, shake out one leg and then the other, stomp it out, move your whole body in whatever way feels natural for you. In studying the nervous systems of animals, Dr. Peter Levine noted that they discharge stress and shock by shaking their bodies. As a result, although they undergo threats, they do not carry stress/experience trauma. By allowing your body to move in an intuitive way, you help your nervous system to discharge the stress that accumulates in your body over time.

2. BREATHE: For at least 10 rounds of breath practice inhaling for the count of 4-5, exhaling for the count of 6-8. Our breath is such a powerful tool that works in concert with our nervous system and is the only autonomic system that can be influenced by our consciousness. Any time we exhale for longer than we inhale, we engage the parasympathetic branch of our nervous system which brings a sense of calm to our bodies (our rest and digest branch).

3. GET OUTSIDE IN NATURE: Studies have shown that nature supports nervous system down-regulation. Feel your feet connected to Mother Earth, let her remind you that you are held with every step that you take.

4. DRINK WARM WATER: with a pinch of high quality sea salt (Maldon and Jacobsen are my favorite), some lemon and honey. Ayurvedic practitioners will tell you that drinking cold water puts out your digestive fire and cold water also just demands more energy output from your body to process. Contrary to popular belief, we actually NEED quality salt for some of our body’s vital functions. Our cells have a sodium-potassium pump which is essential for nerve-signaling, heart contractions, and kidney function. A pinch of sea salt (not just regular old table salt) will help you hydrate at a cellular level. Lemon and honey support digestion. Maintaining healthy digestion is, of course, essential for us to metabolize our food AND energetically metabolize everything we are moving through as a species.

5. ELIMINATE (OR AT LEAST MINIMIZE) SUGAR: Consuming sugar is simply an additional stress on the body. 1 tsp of sugar can depress your immune system for up to 5 hours! If this feels like something you want to do but just can’t imagine it being possible then getting clear on your ‘why’ for doing it can help with staying committed. AND reminding yourself that you get to take it one day at a time (maybe even sometimes 1 hour at a time!) can help. **Remember that all the supplement support in the world won’t replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. For keeping your immune system strong, above all else do your best to eat a nutrient-dense, real and whole foods diet.