Meet Your Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Built-In Calm Switch

It’s called the vagus nerve, and learning how to support it might be the key to feeling grounded again.

What Is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your brain stem down through your heart, lungs, and digestive organs. Think of it as the communication highway between your brain and your body. It helps control breathing, digestion, heart rate, and emotional regulation — all the things that keep you in balance.

When your vagus nerve is strong and responsive, your body can easily move between states of activity and rest. When it’s tired or under-active, you may feel constantly anxious, wired, or exhausted.

Signs Your Vagus Nerve Might Need Support

• You’re tense even when you’re not in a rush

• You have trouble relaxing or falling asleep

• You feel emotionally drained or “on edge”

• You rely on caffeine or quick fixes just to function

If that sounds familiar, the good news is this: your vagus nerve can be trained — gently and naturally.

Simple Ways to Support Your Vagus Nerve Every Day

1. Breathe Deeply and Move Slowly
Deep diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and helps lower heart rate. Practices like yoga, Pilates, and breathwork retrain your body to respond to stress more calmly. Even five minutes of slow, full breathing can begin to shift your state.

2. Nourish with Calming Nutrients
Certain nutrients and herbs help the body return to balance:

• Magnesium Glycinate – relaxes muscles and supports nerve communication.

• Ashwagandha – an adaptogenic herb that reduces stress hormones like cortisol.

• L-Theanine – promotes calm focus without drowsiness (found in green tea).

3. Eat Real, Whole Foods
Your gut and nervous system are in constant conversation. Eating nutrient-dense, organic food — and supporting digestion with fermented foods like kimchi or kefir — helps the vagus nerve stay strong.

4. Practice Stillness and Reflection
Guided visualization, journaling, or quiet meditation can rewire your stress response. These practices teach your body that safety and calm are possible again.

Experience It for Yourself

At The Living Room inside Nuts ’n Berries, our classes are designed to support your nervous system — from breathwork and sound healing to restorative yoga and guided visualization. Each one gives your vagus nerve a chance to do what it does best: help you find calm in a busy world.

>>>Give us 60 minutes — and we’ll help your nervous system exhale.