Nrv²

Your autonomic nervous system is the part of your nervous system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions like your heart rate, breathing and digestion. It is the primary system that controls your response to stress.

The autonomic nervous system consists of two main parts– the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system gets you ready to respond to a perceived threat (fight or flight response), while the parasympathetic system allows you to enter a state of rest and relaxation. It is important to maintain a healthy balance of these systems to support your mental health and overall well-being.

Stress is the body’s natural way of reacting to pressure situations. Healthy levels of short term stress activates beneficial cellular pathways that are involved in survival and adaptation. However, experiencing prolonged stress can have long term health effects that compromise how you feel and your ability to sleep. It is important to manage stress as you age so that your mind and body has sufficient rest time to function optimally.