Other things that help you relax will also help you extend your rest and digest stage. Reading a book if you love to read. Taking a bath with your favourite scented bubbles, if that’s your thing. Playing a musical instrument. Painting. You get the idea. If you’re feeling like you’re under constant stress, try to build some time into your day for the things that help you relax - it does more good for your health than you can imagine.

We talk a lot about the sympathetic nervous system that activates your flight or flight stress response. We help you tap into the “rest and digest” mode which is operated by the more mellow parasympathetic nervous system. But wait, there’s more!

Blame it on our ancient DNA. Our prehistoric ancestors lived in the wilderness, constantly on high-alert of danger and probably ran for their lives on a near-daily basis. It was the stress response cycle - the way our body leaps into action as soon as it perceives a threat - that kept them alive. Today, it’s what’s stressing us out!

To truly understand the incredibly complex processes going on in any part of your body, especially one as intricate as your nervous system, you would probably need a PhD in neuroscience. Assuming you don’t have that degree or the time to study for one, we’re going to use this week’s blog to give you a ‘tip of the iceberg’ glance at your own nervous system.