Rest & Digest

Resting and digesting is the theme of the parasympathetic nervous system. The opposite of the parasympathetic is the sympathetic, which is the fight or flight nervous system. In health, both operate in harmony and people move in and out of them naturally or as needed. In western cultures, people tend to live in the sympathetic nervous system more often than not, and for sustained periods of time. Life is stressful, there are lists of things to do, being busy is glorified, the busier the better. When a sympathetic state is sustained for a prolonged period of time is when health can begin to deteriorate. Therefore, it's important to practice activities that allow the body to enter the parasympathetic state, decrease stress and anxiety, and set worries aside. Pick something you enjoy doing, you're more likely to stick with it, and check out some of the options listed below.