and external stimuli (stressful situations)and decide how to react.

Leaf says long-term stressors can cause a constant state of unease, uncertainty, and worry.

She adds that this can also happen as a result of past traumas.

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Take deep breaths

Breathing exercisesfor calmness area simple yet effective way to regulate your nervous system.

Then repeat for a total of 10 rounds.

There are alsonervous system exercise apps, if youre looking for extra guidance.

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neuroscientist, mental health expert, and host ofCleaning Up The Mental Mess

When you experience a stressful something (an event, conversation, etc.

This is when we tend to react impulsively.

Its Amazing How Its All Connected.

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It helps reinstate neurophysiological calm and neurological balancein the brain and body.

To help with this, she recommendsrelaxation exercisesto gain control.

She adds that you could even manipulate the emotion.

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Then, close your eyes and let your mind wander in the imagery.

Relive the happy experience for a couple of minutes or until you feel calm.

Consider it avisualizationmeditation for the nervous system.

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neuroscientist, mental health expert, and host ofCleaning Up The Mental Mess

To combat this, Leaf recommends thinking of three or four positive thoughts to prevent your mind from ruminating.

Ho offers another helpful tip: Singing the negative thoughts to the tune of an upbeat song.

A small January 2023 study inBiology1tested the effects of cold water immersion with a group of swimmers.

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Polyvagal theory encourages people to:

8.

Move your body

Exercise and stress relief go hand-in-hand.

You know that post-workout high after going to the gym or finishing a run?

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And it isnt just high-intensity workouts and cardio that get the job done.

A walk outside or a hike in nature, or evenPilates for stress reliefcan achieve the same mood-boosting benefits.

you’re able to evenshake to release stress.

Exercise can provide much-needed stress relief and nervous system regulation that can be practiced every day.

Spend time outdoors

Ah, the great outdoors.

And the best part?

Its free and easily accessible.

So go ahead, touch some grass.

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