My head is spinning and I can’t relax. With my yoga practice I begin to think clearly again. Why is this?
That feeling of your head spinning is so common, and it is a type of nervous system disregulation. It comes from a sense of overwealm, caused by having a really busy shedule, juggling commitments alongside your career or business, caring for others, having ‘a lot on’ in general. Sounds familiar.
There are a couple of things we can do to soothe ourselves. Maybe we rely on habits that take our mind of it, like pushing through the day and then falling on the sofa and scrolling social media or watching tv. These may help you feel less agitated in the short term but what about starting a habit which actually impoves our brain’s ability to respond to stress?
A regular habit of nervous system focused yoga is a wonderful way to combat this feeling of head spinning, leading you to a calmer, more relaxed, focused state. Paving the way to greater nervous system health: both right now and in the future.
Yoga can be very beneficial for supporting nervous system regulation in several ways:
Stress Reduction: One of the primary benefits of yoga is its ability to reduce stress. Through the practice of yoga, especially poses that focus on deep breathing and relaxation, the body's stress response is reduced. This is achieved through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the "fight or flight" response of the sympathetic nervous system.
Breath Awareness: Yoga places a strong emphasis on breath awareness and control. Techniques such as pranayama (breathing exercises) can directly influence the autonomic nervous system, helping to calm the mind and body. Deep, slow breathing activates the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Mind-Body Connection: Yoga encourages a deeper connection between the mind and body. By practicing various yoga postures (asanas) and paying attention to bodily sensations and breath during these poses, individuals can become more attuned to their physiological responses and learn to modulate them effectively.
Improved Sleep: Regular yoga practice has been linked to improved sleep quality. Quality sleep is essential for nervous system health and overall well-being. Yoga can help reduce insomnia and promote relaxation before bedtime.
Enhanced Relaxation Response: Certain yoga practices, such as restorative yoga and yoga nidra, are specifically designed to induce a profound state of relaxation. These practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a calm and restorative effect on the body.
Neuroplasticity: Yoga has been shown to positively influence brain function and structure through neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Regular yoga practice has been associated with increased gray matter volume in certain brain regions, which can contribute to improved emotional regulation and stress management.
Hormonal Balance: Yoga practice can help balance hormone levels, including reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing serotonin (the "feel-good" neurotransmitter). This hormonal balance contributes to overall nervous system health.
Nervous system regulation focused yoga makes us feel great by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, improving breath control, enhancing mind-body awareness, and positively influencing hormonal balance and neuroplasticity.
Regular yoga practice is arguably the most valuable tool for managing stress, anxiety, and other conditions related to nervous system dysregulation. Even short practices, when repeated over time create a huge impact on our health. Combined with high quality essential oils we can enhance these effects greatly.
Want to get started with nervous system regulation yoga today?
Check out my Nervous System regulation checklist and practices here and let me know what you think.
