The Broke Girl’s Guide to Nervous System Regulation
To reduce allostatic load, try this:
- Micro-breaks: 60 seconds of stepping away from your laptop every hour.
- Lower intensity workouts: swap HIIT for walking, yoga, or low-intensity strength training a few times/week.
- Eat enough: Undereating is one of the fastest ways to increase allostatic load. Fuel your body :)
- Stop over-caffeinating: especially
The Broke Girl’s Guide to Nervous System Regulation
To increase vagal tone, try this:
- Long exhales: Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6–8.
- Cold water on your face: splash, cold shower, or even a cold washcloth on your cheeks.
- Humming or singing: vibrates the vagus nerve via your vocal cords.
- Gentle walking: increases HRV and parasympathetic activation.
- Social connection: yes, talking to someone safe