In the modern world, we have the ability to be connected instantly, giving us access to contact friends and family, online shopping, medical appointments, banking, you name it!
With many aspects of our lives moving at such a fast pace, it is now become our human nature to be in this constant fight/flight/freeze mode. The flight/fight mode is when our body operating from our Sympathetic Nervous System, one of the two Autonomic Nervous systems responsible for functionality of the Blood vessels, Glands and Internal organs. The other autonomic nervous system is known as the Parasympathetic Nervous System, this is known as the rest and digest mode.
The development of the human brain is both an intriguing and complex topic. The problem we face in today’s society is, it can be difficult for us to differentiate when we are sensing an imminent threat; e.g. during a shark attack vs an anticipated discomfort a email from our boss about our performance. Although only one scenario presents immediate physical harm to us, our body responds in the exactly same way, going into survival mode. Having the body in a constant survival mode can prevent the body from functioning as it normally should, not providing the balanced blood, oxygen and nutrients levels we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Our brain is constantly sending signals around the body in response to what we are thinking. If we sense we are in pain, the brain receptors pick up on this and send signals to the area of the body to activate the nerve response, thus causing the ‘pain’ feeling we experience. This can cause delay in other parts of our body having the ability to function as it should. Opposingly if we are in a calm state, our body sees we are not in panic and has the ability to regulate as it should, getting blood and oxygen to our organs, muscles etc. When our body is regulating from a parasympathetic system we recover and heal faster, digest food easier and enjoy life a lot more.
Meditation calms the nervous system
Meditation has been proven an effective tool that has a positive impact on our mental, emotional and physical health. Giving us the ability to calm the nervous system and switch back to the calming parasympathetic system. There’s an age old saying “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it”. By meditation for just 10 minutes every day, you will begin to see changes. Here are some benefits of meditation;
- Reduces stress
- Slows aging process
- Improves focus and attention
- Improves immune system
- Improves metabolic functions
- Improves brain function and increases brain activity
- Improves mood
- Gives you a sense of purpose
- Improves relationships
- Increases blood flow
- Reduces fatigue
Try meditating for 10 minutes a day, for 14 days. Listen to some calming music (432 hz), a guided meditation, or sit in complete stillness. Keep a diary and notice how you feel after the 14 days.
