Reset Your Nervous System: 5 Simple Exercises to Help Your Body Let Go of Anxiety
Dear Gabby Podcast Recap
Published:
What Happened
Gabby Bernstein introduces five somatic exercises designed to calm the nervous system and help release anxiety. These exercises include EFT tapping on the gamut point, resetting the vagus nerve through humming, a heart hold, relaxing the tongue, and a Jin Shin Jiu Su hold. Each exercise is explained in terms of how it helps soothe the nervous system.
EFT tapping involves tapping on specific energy meridians while acknowledging emotional disturbances. This method aims to calm the nervous system by addressing emotional stressors directly. Gabby describes how this technique can help mitigate anxiety and promote relaxation.
The vagus nerve, a critical part of the parasympathetic nervous system, is stimulated through humming in a process known as vagal toning. This exercise aids in the activation of the 'rest and digest' response, facilitating a state of relaxation.
The heart hold exercise involves placing one hand on the heart and the other on the belly, which helps activate the vagus nerve and calm the nervous system. Gabby discusses how this simple action can deeply influence one's emotional state by promoting a sense of safety and calm.
Relaxing the tongue is highlighted as an immediate way to reduce stress, as the tongue often reflects overall tension in the body. Gabby explains that by consciously relaxing the tongue, the nervous system can quickly shift towards a more relaxed state.
The Jin Shin Jiu Su hold involves placing one hand on the heart and the other on the head. This technique is described as effective for balancing the nervous system and releasing emotional charges. Gabby shares how this particular exercise aided her in processing trauma memories.
Gabby Bernstein promotes her Gabby Coaching app, which provides meditations, nervous system tools, and challenges to further support listeners in managing anxiety. She also mentions her book 'Happy Days: The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Freedom and Inner Peace' as a resource for those looking to heal from trauma and find inner peace.
Key Insights
- Gabby Bernstein outlines five somatic exercises that target the nervous system to help alleviate anxiety. These exercises include EFT tapping, vagal toning through humming, a heart hold, relaxing the tongue, and the Jin Shin Jiu Su hold.
- EFT tapping is used to address emotional disturbances by tapping on energy meridians, which can calm the nervous system. This method can be particularly useful for individuals experiencing stress and anxiety.
- Vagal toning through humming activates the vagus nerve, the main pathway of the parasympathetic nervous system. This exercise promotes relaxation by engaging the body's 'rest and digest' functions.
- Gabby Bernstein's book 'Happy Days: The Guided Path from Trauma to Profound Freedom and Inner Peace' offers a comprehensive guide to healing trauma. It details practices to calm the nervous system and achieve a state of inner peace.