Why the Parasympathetic Nervous System is important?

Ever feel like you just can’t relax? It might be because you’re not tapping into your parasympathetic nervous system or “PNS,” a branch of the autonomic nervous system that helps regulate the body's rest-and-digest response.

When activated, it can help promote feelings of relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. But in today's fast-paced world, many people spend a lot of time in a state of sympathetic nervous system dominance, which is associated with the fight-or-flight response and can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and other negative health outcomes.

This may be why it’s hard for you to relax. Read on to learn why it’s time for some rewiring…

Restorative yoga is a type of yoga that emphasizes relaxation and stress reduction. It involves holding passive yoga postures for up to 20 minutes while using props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks to support the body. Holding these shapes encourages the body to enter a state of deep relaxation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting healing and rejuvenation.

There are several reasons why tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system through Restorative yoga is important. Firstly, chronic stress can hurt many aspects of health, including cardiovascular health, immune function, and mental health. Restorative yoga can help improve overall health and well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Secondly, Restorative yoga can be a helpful tool for those who struggle with sleep. Sleeping is crucial for overall health, and chronic stress can make falling or staying asleep difficult. Restorative yoga can help improve sleep quality and duration by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Thirdly, Restorative yoga can be helpful for those who experience chronic pain or other physical discomforts. By using props to support the body and gently stretching and releasing the tension, restorative yoga can help reduce pain and promote healing.

Tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system through Restorative yoga can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, improving sleep, and supporting overall health and well-being. You can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health by slowing down, relaxing, and allowing the body to rest and rejuvenate.