How to use your body to soothe your mind.

Calm Practice

Vagus Nerve Exercise

This tool helps to activate our vagus nerve, bringing us back to a calm ventral vagal state.  We might notice signs of release such as, a deep sigh or swallow, a yawn, a general feeling of calm or our tummy gurgling.

Here’s how!

1. Tip your head over to the left, bringing your left ear towards your left shoulder (without raising your shoulder).
2. Take your gaze up and to the right.
3. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds or until you feel a release, then bring your head back to center.
4. Now tip your head over to the right, bringing your right ear towards your right shoulder (without raising your shoulder).
5. Take your gaze up and to the left.
6. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds or until you feel a release, then bring your head back to center. 

This mindful exercise is an effective daily practice as a quick and simple way to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and feel calmness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference 

Ballagh, R. (2024). Twists. 101 Ways to Find Calm: How to Use Your Body to Soothe Your Mind. P. 86-87.