Have you heard of your SYMPATHETIC and PARASYMPATHETIC system?
Don't worry if you haven't - that's what we're here to explain!
In short, your sympathetic system is your Fight or Flight Response. It's what prepares your body for strenuous activity. Now, your body isn't the best at telling the difference between different TYPES of stress. Stress can be good. It CAN prepare you to endure intense activity and have you performing at your best.
Unfortunately many of our lifestyles in the modern day include a lot of what we often call, micro-stresses. But very few of the more intense stresses (think being chased by a lion).
The result?
A build up of lots of stress and because we are constantly experiencing more and more, very little decompression from it. To bring us back to our point here, putting you in a SYMPATHETIC state. PARASYMPATHETIC on the other hand is when you are relaxed - de-stressing if you will.
We are all going to experience a build up of stress once in a while. If you feel like it's something you could do with some help alleviating, you're in the right place.
Here's 4 Ways to Reduce Your Stress:
Meditation.
Breath Work.
Walk in nature.
Cold Water Bathing.
Some of these may feel more achievable than others, and that’s ok!
This isn’t an all or nothing. Consider these some suggestions from which you can pick your favourites to try. Find what works for you and your time availability.
Firstly, try Oak. This meditation app (although there are many) is a favourite which a TONNE of different options. The app will guide you through and allow you to really switch off and get in the zone.
Next up, breath work. Sometimes going hand in hand with meditation. We recommend trying Box Breathing. This is a standard, 4 seconds in, 4 second hold, 4 seconds out. Repeat and feel the anxiety slip away!
Need something a bit more familiar? How about a walk! Just a walk in nature can really be the ticket when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. The key part here however, DON’T TAKE YOUR PHONE! If your phone is something that stresses you out, you have work emails pinging off constantly, or you look at screens a lot for work. It’s probably a good idea to get away from that while on your walk.
Finally, cold water bathing. Probably the more extreme option but very popular currently. No need for a full ice bath however (although don’t let us stop you). We recommend trying a 3 minute cold shower. It might be uncomfortable for a bit but you’ll feel the benefit after! If you’re up to it, give it a go!
If you’ve found any other this useful, you might be interested in tuning into to our Ask DVCC Q&A Show on YouTube. We post new episodes regularly on all topics from Training, Nutrition and Lifestyle.
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