Nourishing your Nervous System
Written by Ally Stuart
Oh, the nervous system—our body's delicate web of whispers, sending messages between mind, heart, and soul. In the rush of daily life, we often forget to tend to this intricate dance of energy, leaving us feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, and out of tune.
But just like a garden needs tender care, so does your nervous system. Here are a few simple ways to nurture your inner calm and restore harmony:
Herbal Hugs – Mother Nature offers gentle allies for a weary nervous system. Think of lemon balm as a warm calming embrace transforming frazzle into focus, chamomile as a dreamy nervous system supporter offering you GABA rather than glutamate (a stimulating neurotransmitter), and ashwagandha as the steady hand on your shoulder helping to drop cortisol levels. Sip, steep, and soothe your senses. For bonus points, use the time with your tea as a meditation, a moment of mindfulness. Our signature teas Bliss, Earth & Purify are perfect herb blends.
Rest as Ritual – Sleep isn’t just sleep—it’s a sacred pause, a nightly reset for your nervous system. Create a dreamy bedtime ritual with soft candlelight (anything above the brightness of a candle awakens us), a book that nourishes your spirit, some pranayama or meditation and a spritz of your favourite smell like lavender or rose water hydrosol to lull you into slumber.
Nourish from Within – Magnesium-rich foods (hello, dark chocolate, avocado and leafy greens!) help melt away tension, while healthy fats like avocado and nuts cushion your nerves like a cozy blanket. Glycine is another amazing ally for the nervous system. Opting for a glycinated magnesium supplement or incorporating some glycine rich foods such as bone broth, collagen & gelatine, fish, chicken (especially skin on), legumes, dark chocolate, sesame and pumpkin seeds. Glycine is a calming amino acid that supports the nervous system, aids sleep, and promotes collagen production (now we can really call it beauty sleep).
Breathe in Serenity – A deep belly breath is like a love note to your nervous system, a gentle reminder that you are safe, held, and supported. The breath is our best communication line with the nervous system. Imagine creating a big balloon with your belly and focus on lengthening the exhale especially, if it's before bed. Connecting diaphragm movement with the breath has a potent effect on the nervous system.
Time in nature and with community - we were born to be in both of these majority of the time. Coming to a yoga class in person instead of doing it at home has added benefits. When we relax with others our nervous systems communicate to help us feel calm, rested and supported. Inversely when we support our immune system, our vagus nerve specifically helps us with our perception and sense of community.
Have you ever looked at what the nervous system looks like, almost like the roots of a tree? It has been well documented that spending time in nature has a positive effect on nervous system health as well as supporting many other systems in the body.
Remember, your nervous system is a garden—nurture it, love it, and watch yourself bloom.
Book your mat now via the Ardor Albury app x
