<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_blue.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_blue.svg" width="40px" /> There Are 4-Elements of The Nervous System:
In a modern world where you only have to roll over in bed and reach for your phone for a hit of sympathetic activation…
A world where “more is always better.”
I can tell you, without questions, that if you are the type of person who connects with aura.—the type of person that wants more out of life—then the most neglected element is parasympathetic activation.
Specifically, deep levels of relaxation.
Your world likely feels unsafe on a very deep level, which is why you must master all 4 Elements. Discover my preferred protocols for each below.
Final note: If you are in a parasympathetic state, you subconsciously invite those around you to follow suit. We are intuitive beings: Shift your internal state and watch this ripple through others.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/fire_blue.svg" alt="/icons/fire_blue.svg" width="40px" /> FIRE: Sympathetic Activation
Sympathetic activation is a response to stress and stimuli. Your sympathetic nervous system is activated to help you form optimally in this stimuli’s presense.
As mentioned above: “In a modern world where you only have to roll over in bed and reach for your phone for a hit of sympathetic activation… A world where “more is always better.”
You are never far away from sources of stress.
Meaning you must be conscious of keeping a lid on your exposure to:
Moderate your exposure to these, limit the need for the sympathetic nervous system to protect you.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/infinity_blue.svg" alt="/icons/infinity_blue.svg" width="40px" /> AIR: Sympathetic Training
When exposed to stress that you positively adapt from—otherwise known as Eustress—you are gifted with an opportunity to grow.
This must be balanced with WATER: Parasympathetic Activation to ensure that your nervous system receives sufficient period of rest, allowing you to recover and reap the rewards of the challenges you face.
Examples include:
Travelling in new environments and cultures, pushing to achieving goals and milestones, working through tough times in a relationship…
Confidence is rooted in comfort, and comfort is built through experiences.
Tough times are an opportunity to develop resilience and your character.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/water_blue.svg" alt="/icons/water_blue.svg" width="40px" /> WATER: Parasympathetic Activation
Think: Chilling the f*ck out
Parasympathetic Activation is without question the most neglected element that I see in Type-A driven individuals.
You’re failing to give your nervous system the opportunity to put you into deep states of relaxation. Let’s fix that.
Start here:
Cut off from devices and/or work (at a set time)
Epsom salt bath: Taking a bath with 300g+ of magnesium sulfate (soaking for at least 20 minutes)
If, once you finish, you lie on your bed and practice the doubling method whilst you continue to sweat out toxins—you’re now reaching god levels of relaxation.
The doubling method: This can be performed at the end of breathwork or yoga in savasana (lying flat on your back), after an epsom salt bath, even as an attempt to fall asleep in bed…
Slowly count down from 10 and with each count double the level of relaxation and surrender in your body.
This forces you to dive deeper into tension that you rarely bring awareness to.
Breathwork, specifically forced slow-exhales
Massage and other forms of body work: Deep tissue, chiropractor, cupping, accupuncture, active stretching
Sauna: My preferable practice is either 20-30 minute sessions, or 2 x 15 minute sessions, 3-4x/week at 80-90degC
Time in nature, especially in the sun: See ‣
Spend time with loved ones: Lying in bed with your partner is a real winner
Smoking a cigar (once in a blue moon): Aside from a celebration, cigars are a great way to switch off and promote relaxation. They also force you to slow down, as if you smoke them too quickly you burn the tobacco
(As I smoke I will surrender to the feeling of relaxation—making it the perfect “once-in-a-while” way to wind down)
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<aside> <img src="/icons/leaf-monstera_blue.svg" alt="/icons/leaf-monstera_blue.svg" width="40px" /> EARTH: Parasympathetic Training
Consciously keeping yourself to be calm in stressful situations trains your nervous system to unconsciously follow suit.
It’s simple really… just lead with the breath:
The vagus nerve makes up 75% of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS); the term “vagal tone” refers to how well it functions.
High vagal tone = well functioning vagus nerve
Low vagal tone = poorly functioning vagus nerve
Meaning, the following practices to improve vagal tone, in turn, train the PNS
And more…
See ‣ to read further.
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