Parasympathetic & sympathetic nervous systems

The human nervous system is quite complex (see the graph below). However, please don't be intimidated by it - I won't get too much into detail! :) In this post, I'll focus on the autonomic nervous system which stands for the involuntary processes in your body such as hormone function - specifically the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. I'll briefly explain how they work and affect us as I find it quite fascinating.

Pollution of our environments with sounds, light, and information is overwhelming and overstimulating us and often does not allow us to hear and fully understand ourselves. The constant stimuli of modern life also continuously trigger our sympathetic nervous system. This governs the fight-or-flight behaviors and increased cortisol levels which is also crucial for our survival but constant activation of this system has its downsides. As a consequence, the blood pressure might be constantly increased and people become more prone to heart diseases, metabolic diseases, dementia, and depression.

Recent research shows that the steady stress of urban living changes the brain in ways that can increase our odds of schizophrenia, anxiety, and mood disorders. It also affects the immune system's behaviour.

It is natural and perfectly normal to have activity in the sympathetic nervous system. The issue here is that it is constantly stimulated as I mentioned and that often the stress doesn't have the chance to be released. Historically when this system was activated it meant that we literally had to fight or flight, thus it makes sense that our bodies release stress hormones with physical activities. If this release does not take place, our hormones remain imbalanced and numerous health-related issues may arise eventually.

However, when we are relaxed and at ease in our environment, our parasympathetic system - sometimes called the 'rest and digest' branch - kicks in. Many modern people complain of chronic exhaustion, which researchers believe may be partially because of the fact that people are not fully absorbing nutrients and energy from the food they consume due to the ineffective parasympathetic response.

When activated it not only boosts our metabolism but also we become more capable of controlling our emotions and generally grow more empathetic and experience a sense of hope. Moreover, it promotes the health of the kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines, and reproductive organs.

Here are some activities that help activate the parasympathetic nervous system:

• Hearing nature sounds

• Focused, slow breathing

• Seeing the colors of green and blue

• Acknowledging and engaging the senses in the body

• Crying

• Humming

• Singing

• Hugging & cuddling

• Yin Yoga/ Yoga Nidra

• Massage

I highly suggest trying some of these not only when you already feel stressed but also as prevention! Nature Therapy combines several of the mentioned activities and generally works as a wonderful tool to slow down and activate the parasympathetic system.

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