In my previous post (The Vagus Nerve: your 10th nerve for relaxation and balance - Part 2), I explained how the vagus nerve runs through your body and why this nerve is so important for relaxation and well-being. I also discussed the difference between the dorsal and ventral vagus. I’ve decided to break this information into two parts. ✅ Now, I’m going to share practical tips you can apply to relax and keep your vagus nerve healthy. ✅ In the next post (part 4), I’ll discuss how you can apply these techniques within your Reiki sessions. Here are some practical ways to stimulate your vagus nerve and lower stress, strengthen your immune system, and experience more relaxation. 🫁Deep belly breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) – Ventral vagus🫁 🧡 Good for: Reducing stress, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (your body’s natural relaxation response), lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Breathing has a direct impact on your nervous system. By breathing deeply, you stimulate the vagus nerve and bring your body into a calm state. How to do it: ✅Sit or lie down comfortably. ✅Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. ✅Breathe slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to rise while keeping your chest as still as possible. ✅Breathe out slowly, either through your mouth or nose. Breathing out through your nose can be even more calming. ✅Make your exhale longer than your inhale (e.g., inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds). ✅Repeat this 5-10 times and feel how your body relaxes. 💡 Tip: Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique; inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This is a powerful way to reduce stress.