Vagus Nerve Breathing
Are you familiar with the sneaky ways our bodies respond to stress? For example, have you ever experienced stomach issues before a nerve-wracking event? This phenomenon is the work of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve facilitates two-way communication between our brain and organs like our stomach, lungs, and heart, meaning when stress hits one side, the other also feels the impact. So, when pressure mounts due to an upcoming presentation, it often leads to stomach pain. But it also works the other way around. Poor eating habits negatively affect your mental state. The more stress factors your vagus nerve has to deal with, the lower your vagal tone, and with it, your overall health may suffer. Luckily, several vagus nerve breathing exercises can come to the rescue.
Vagus nerve breathing exercises
Conscious breathing exercises are one of the most effective ways to stimulate your vagus nerve. When you are stressed, your breathing typically gets small and short, but taking deep breaths signals the body that it is safe to unwind and relax. That is where vagus nerve breathing exercises come in. Examples are:
- The box breathing technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4)
- The 4-7-8 breathing method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8)
The Wim Hof breathing exercise (taking 30-40 deep breaths and then holding your breath for as long as possible) is another great vagus nerve breathing technique. Ready to give this exercise a shot? You can find a step-by-step guide via the button below.
More vagus nerve stimulation methods
In addition to vagus nerve breathing exercises, there are other ways to stimulate the vagus nerve. Exposure to cold, meditation, and even singing are some examples. The Wim Hof Method uses meditation to help you gain control over your body and mind. This control is essential for enduring the cold, which is also a big part of the method. So, are you ready to get started with vagus nerve stimulation through the Wim Hof Method? Read on to learn how!
Practice the Wim Hof Method
Are you new to the method? No worries! Get started with our free Mini Class and uncover the power of the three pillars of the Wim Hof Method in only three fun lessons. Want to take it to the next level? Dive into one of our other E-learning classes, like the Classic or Fundamentals video course. Both courses offer a 10-week experience where you will have developed a rock-solid practice that suits your lifestyle by the end of the course. Thousands of people have already enjoyed these courses and are happy to share how the Wim Hof Method has changed their lives.
The three pillars
The Wim Hof Method comprises three pillars: cold therapy, breathing exercises, and commitment. This dynamic trio offers numerous benefits, such as arthritis relief, lowered blood pressure, improved cold tolerance, and a peaceful mind. It ensures that you become the happiest, strongest, and healthiest version of yourself. Want to know more about these benefits? Click the button below.
