Exercises To Calm Your Anxious Thoughts

These aren’t generic.

Most people think anxiety is just about feeling worried or stressed but what many don’t realize is how deeply it’s tied to the nervous system especially the part called the vagus nerve. This nerve acts like a highway between your brain and body helping regulate your stress response and calm your nervous system. When the vagus nerve isn’t working well anxiety can feel overwhelming and nonstop.

There are simple exercises that specifically target this nerve to help calm anxious thoughts. One of the lesser known techniques is called vagal breathing. It involves slow deep breaths that stimulate the vagus nerve and signal your body it’s safe to relax. Try inhaling for a count of four then exhaling slowly for a count of six or eight letting your belly rise and fall with each breath. This helps reset your nervous system from fight or flight into rest and digest mode.

Another powerful but often overlooked method is gentle humming or chanting. The vibrations from humming stimulate the vagus nerve and can quickly reduce anxiety. Try humming your favorite tune for a few minutes when you feel anxious. These tools work by calming your nervous system at its root offering relief that goes beyond just distracting your mind. Understanding and working with your body’s nervous system can be a game changer in managing anxiety.