How the vagus nerve helps you be more accepting of yourself
Unlocking the power of self-acceptance is like finding a golden key that opens the door to a more fulfilling and joyful life. And believe it or not, this key lies within us, specifically in a fascinating part of our body known as the vagus nerve. Yes, you read that right! The vagus nerve, often referred to as the "wandering nerve," plays a crucial role in promoting self-acceptance and overall well-being.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
Deep within your body, nestled among a complex network of nerves, lies the vagus nerve. It may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but this incredible nerve is very much real and plays a vital role in our overall well-being.
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in our bodies, extending from the base of our brain all the way down to our abdomen. It acts as a communication highway between various organs and systems in our body, including the brain, heart, lungs, digestive system, and even certain muscles.
This remarkable nerve is responsible for regulating many essential bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, breathing rhythm,and immune response. It also plays a crucial role in connecting our mind and body by transmitting signals back and forth.
In addition to its physical functions, the vagus nerve has been found to have an impact on mental health and emotional well-being. Recent scientific research suggests that it also influences how we perceive ourselves – particularly when it comes to self-acceptance.
The Connection Between the Vagus Nerve and Self-Acceptance
Research has shown that individuals with higher vagal tone - an indicator of strong vagus nerve activity - tend to have better emotional regulation skills and higher levels of self-acceptance. This means they are better able to handle stress, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain positive relationships.
So how can we stimulate our vagus nerve for improved self-acceptance? There are several techniques you can try. Deep breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing can activate your parasympathetic nervous system (the rest-and-digest response), which in turn stimulates the vagus nerve.
Yin practices such as gentle yoga poses or meditation also promote relaxation and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. These practices not only stimulate your vagus nerve but also cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance towards yourself.
In addition to enhancing self-acceptance, a healthy vagus nerve offers numerous other benefits. It helps regulate heart rate variability (an important marker of cardiovascular health), supports digestion by increasing stomach acid production, reduces inflammation in the body, boosts immune function by improving communication between immune cells via neurotransmitters released by the gut-brain axis connection.
To improve overall self-acceptance alongside stimulating your vagus nerve, consider incorporating other strategies into your routine. Practice self-compassion and challenge
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in learning more about, I invite you to check out my membership, where we dive deep into these types of practices.
