Natural Ways To Relax Your Nervous System

As I was making my morning tisane, I was reminded about the conversation I've recently had with one of my childhood girlfriends on the topic of mental health. We've been exchanging remedies and ideas on natural methods to calm our nervous systems, and I realized during our conversation, that I have a lot to say on this topic hence why the idea came about to write this article.

The significance of taking care of our mental health can't be overstated, especially in today's fast-paced society where stress and anxiety can easily take hold of us. I began to reflect on the various natural methods I have explored over the years and are now apart of my lifestyle that have been transformative, allowing me to regain a sense of tranquility in the business of raising my large family.

So here are the ways in which I take care of my nervous system that anyone can do if they so wish.

I do NOT drink coffee, nor caffeinated teas or drinks. I LOVE AND STANDBY tisane/herbal teas. Caffeine in whatever form, isn't helpful to helping your nervous system relax. There is a long list of medicinal benefits associated with each herb, but in the list of teas that I will mention, I will only mention the fact that it has soothing effects and medicinal properties that calm down your nervous system allowing you to feel your best throughout your day. These teas you can pick up at most health food stores, or at a regular grocery store in the organic aisle. The brand of tea I typically purchase is called 'Organic Traditional Medicinals' which you can also find on Amazon.

• Chamomile

• Passionflower

• Lemon balm

• Anise seed

• Lavender

• Mint

• Raspberry Leaf

• Ginger

The herbs that I mentioned above can also be taken in capsule form, which is another great to have on hand when you're in a rush and don't have time to make tea. Here is a list of natural supplements to have on hand that are also great to give your nervous system a helping hand in instilling more relaxation in your body (again amongst an array of medicinal benefits that I'm not mentioning in this article).

• Magnesium

• GABA

• Melatonin ( not to be taken regularly just on those nights where for whatever reason you have trouble shutting down your mind and would like to have a good night's sleep).

• 5-HTP

• Ashwangada

• Vitamin B12

• Reishi

I've made other changes in my lifestyle that have helped me enhance my mental health care, such as:

• Turning a blind eye short-term to some mess in my house. As a strong-willed, efficient Mama who strives daily to keep her house in order, it has gotten the best of me at times in the past. Now, I add in a small activity of rest in between my daily chores that gives my mind and body a break. Examples of these micro-breaks are, sitting in my living room to enjoy my tea looking at my green plants while doing a small meditation. I am now intentional about taking the time to sit down and drink my herbal tea, morning juice and smoothie instead of standing up and multitasking.

• Picking up my phone and texting back a girlfriend who I had to reply to.

• Going outside in my backyard bare feet and feeling the grass between my toes has a truly calming and grounding effect.

• Going for a nice bike ride in the nature trails near my house has also been heavenly, etc.

I have also been intentional about taking in regular hanging outs with my girlfriends. My husband has been such a great supporter of this, taking care of our girls to give me a much deserved and needed break.

I'm not a group kind of lady, but a lone-wolf who has many different friends that aren't necessarily friends with one another. In other words I prefer one-on-one interactions when socializing in most cases, which allows me to sincerely relax. Prioritizing some relaxing girlfriend hangouts has been truly beneficial in allowing me to feel more connected with my personal femineity and lead a more balanced life.

Here are some ways that I've been enjoying these type of experiences:

• Going for a full body massage with a girlfriend

• High Tea

• Dinner

• Bike rides

• Nature trailing

• Antique shopping

• Going for walks in the neighbourhood and chatting.

Setting boundaries and learning to say NO, moving away from the habit of people-pleasing, has been incredibly liberating and beneficial for my nervous system. While I support good causes and my friends' projects, I realized I was overextending myself by being overly involved in numerous groups. Over the past year, I've consciously avoided this. I don't know how I managed that way of living, and I don't desire it anymore. I prioritize my relationship with God, and the mental health of my husband, my children and I. Although we remain quite social, we often decline invitations to ensure peace and harmony remain our top priority.

Working out with my husband at the end of the day at home has also been something that has helped my nervous system feel much better and more relaxed.

Honestly, we haven't been as consistent with it lately because it's summer, and we're spending most of our days outside, having meals at the beach and visiting friends. This keeps our days busy, and when we get home, we relax by taking a bath together. However, we are planning to return to our regular couple workouts soon. It's an affordable option and so much more meaningful to be able to exercise together. With I my background as a Pilates and Barre Fitness instructor, I am the one who takes the leads our body-weight workouts.

Food is another significant factor in understanding the condition of your nervous system. Contrary to mainstream health advice that suggests various fruits and vegetables might harm our health by " consuming nightshades, spiking glucose levels, being bad for oral health, etc.," this couldn't be further from the truth. Consuming a plant-based diet means you're ingesting loads of vitamins and antioxidants. Each fruit, vegetable, and wild herb offers plenty of natural medicinal properties that genuinely heal and benefit our bodies in many ways. While I won't delve into the specific health benefits of each food, regarding our nervous system, a plant-based diet provides soothing effects due to the plant's natural antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. My go-to source for health information has been the one I've completely embodied as a part of my dietary lifestyle during the past fourteen years, as nothing else compares to this source- Medical Medium - Home

Finally, though I should have mentioned this initially, praying to God. Beginning my day with prayer has been genuinely transformative. I've always prayed, but starting the day with prayer alongside my husband before we even get out of bed has significantly impacted how smoothly our day unfolds, regardless of the tasks and unexpected challenges we face.

Understanding that I am not in control of many things and that I am in the hands of my Creator has been a great relief for me. I strive to live my life in service to others while also prioritizing my well-being and doing my best to live my life according to God's will for me.

Expressing genuine gratitude to God for another day of life and the blessings He has given me is the most effective way to ground myself and soothe my nervous system, setting the tone for my day. Rather than reaching for my phone, talking or making love with my husband, or attending to the kids, connecting with God is the most vital and essential act I do to become a more balanced woman.

To conclude, I'd like to share a prayer I read this morning, which I think will be beneficial to anyone who reads it.

" Dear God, Help me to slow down today and remember that Your presence is with me in every moment. When I start to rush or feel overwhelmed, remind me to pause, breathe, and look to You for peace. You are my calm in the chaos and my strength when I feel weak. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Help me to keep my thoughts centered on You and my heart steady in Your love. When distractions come or anxiety rises, draw me closer to You. Let Your peace anchor my mind and guide my steps, reminding me that true rest is found in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen."

Here's to life and all the blessings from God that have been granted to each and every one of us.