Our nervous system controls our body and organs by connecting it with long nerves that stretch from our brain to the organs in question. These cranial nerves, are 12 in number and form our autonomous nerve system.
Here are 6 Ways to Increase Your Vagal Tone:
Control your Breathing : You can try this right now. Instead of breathing in quickly from the top of your lungs, breathe in slowly and deeply with your diaphragm. You can tell you are breathing from your diaphragm if you feel your belly moving.
Then breathe out. Try to do this slowly as well to catch the heart pace more quickly. This exercise will stimulate the vagus nerve significantly, if done often.
Humming : The vagus nerve also connects your vocal cords. By singing your favorite tune, or simply just humming to a song, or even just repeating a two-syllable mantra like “OM” will do just fine. Humming in general also raises your mood.
Speaking : Similar to humming, regular paced speaking is also helpful for your vagal tone. Because it also related to using your vocal cords.
Washing Your Hair with Cold Water : The burst of cold water to your face activates special receptors in your face. These receptors activate chemicals from your brain that the brain usually releases during a “fight or flight” moment. This also stimulates the vagus nerve.
Meditation : Meditation that increases your positive emotions can significantly stimulate the vagus nerve.
Balancing the Microbiome of the Gut : Your gut releases positive feedback through the vagus nerve when it contains healthy bacteria. This increases the tone of the vagus nerve.
