YOUR 2025 BRAIN BRAWN • MINI RESOLUTION BEST YOUR STRESS • WEEK 3

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Happy Monday! We hope you are breathing and humming your way to some physiological peace via the Rest and Digest system. Today, we’re looking at ways to stimulate the Vagus Nerve.



Track Your Progress!
 
We urge you to stick with all our past mini resolutions, too. Use our new log to to track all your progress!
 
Questions? Email your Motivated Mondays Coach Michele at [email protected].
 
If you are new to Motivated Mondays, you can review the 2025 content here.

Stimulating the Vagus Nerve

Beyond using the diaphragm, what else can we do to activate the Vagus Nerve, thus turning on the Rest and Digest System and breaking the Fight or Flight response—AND in doing so reducing the negative impact of stress on the brain?
 
Here are some ideas for you:

Cold Water

This may not be a favorite, but a dip into cold water can activate the Vagus Nerve. Ice water plunges have become popular for perceived health benefits. But not everyone can or should attempt cold water plunges, so consider these alternatives:

• Splash cold water onto your face
• Use cold compresses on your neck and cheek (nothing fancy, just ice cubes in a baggie)
• Drink ice water (if your teeth can handle it)
• Finish your shower with a blast of cold water

Sound

Some studies have noted the Vagus Nerve can be activated by binaural beats or pink noise.
 
Listening to binaural beats requires headphones and is best attempted in moments of stillness. It is often recommended to do so before sleep or before a stress-inducing event (such as taking a test). Research is currently underway to evaluate the cognitive effects of binaural beats on AD patients.


Touch
 
“Vagus Nerve Massages” are all over the internet. These massages target specific pressure points (the same pressure points used by acupuncturists) in the stomach, ears, neck and feet to activate the Vagus Nerve.
 
Fortunately, it isn’t necessary to spend hours on YouTube tutorials or spend hard earned money on a specialty massage because any good old massage will do the trick, as well as acupressure and acupuncture. Level up the experience with sound and essential oils.
 
Massages can get pricey! But you can look into steeply discounted student massages at a massage school near you.

There are also direct to consumer devices that claim to activate the Vagus Nerve and activate our Rest and Digest system. They are pricey, but anecdotal reports have been positive.

That’s all for now. Next week, we’ll explain how some of our past resolutions tone the Vagus Nerve. See you then!
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