Have you ever been so busy or stressed that you simply forgot to eat? How is it possible that our bodies are capable of ‘forgetting’ something as vitally important as sending us a signal to nourish ourselves? The answer is elaborately simple. Our autonomic nervous system, which controls our bodies internal environment consists of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system (also known as the ‘fight or flight’ mode) and the parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the ‘rest and digest’ mode.)
Evolutionarily speaking, our bodies were developed in such a way that we remain, for the most part, in a parasympathetic state. During this time the nervous system activates most of our organ systems required specifically for digestion and elimination. Our body will also naturally conserve energy by slowing and steadying the heart rate. When we are operating in a parasympathetic state it allows our bodies to properly metabolize the food we ingest into forms that our body will use to create optimal health and wellbeing.
The sympathetic division of our nervous system is equally important to our survival, but for a completely different reason. When we are subjected to, or presented with excitement, physical requirements or stress, our sympathetic nervous system will immediately shunt the energy being used for digestion and elimination away from these organs and towards our muscles and limbs. Our heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and bronchiole dilation all increase when we are in this state. Even when the impulses sent by the sympathetic nervous system are very brief, their effects linger in the body much longer.
One of the biggest problems in today’s society is that we are being conditioned to find it acceptable and even normal to be bombarded with stress on a daily basis. It has reached a point where we don’t even realize when we are stressed and what triggers the body’s stress responses. This phenomenon of always being in a state of stress is being linked to a wide range of modern diseases. Our sympathetic nervous system was designed for short-term use to ensure our survival, yet we are currently activating it on a daily basis. While we can’t escape from the stresses of everyday life, we can choose how we are going to respond to the stress.
Here are a few steps that you can take to reduce stress in your life, particularly around mealtimes, when it is essential that your body is operating in a parasympathetic mode:
Laughing out loud. Laughter is known to soothe tension and release stress that will help promote good digestion.
Deep breathing, even for a few minutes at a time, can help clear your mind and stimulate digestion. Pay special attention to your breath before, during and after eating to support your nervous system around mealtimes.
Slow down and savour your food. Mealtime should be a celebration of food. When you watch TV, surf the net or read, you are eating mindlessly. Focus on your food and take full pleasure in the experience.
Chew, chew, chew!
Give yourself permission to relax and revel in doing nothing.
Have fun! Make time each week to do something that brings you joy!
It brings out new flavours and aids digestion, while slowing things down at the same time. Chew slowly and enjoy the taste fully!
Remember that you have the opportunity to co-create your life! No matter what the circumstance, you still have the power to choose what attitude you take towards it!
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