If you’ve noticed everyone suddenly talking about nervous system regulation, the vagus nerve, and “calming your body” – it’s not just another wellness trend.
It’s a response to how overwhelmed so many of us genuinely feel. (If you watched last weeks podcast it was tears and all from me). I’ve really enjoyed delving deeper into the vagus nerve and I’ve been applying my findings to my daily life.
What is the nervous system and why is the vagus nerve everywhere?
Your nervous system controls how your body responds to stress. When it senses pressure – noise, deadlines, mental load, constant decision-making – it switches into fight or flight.
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in your body and plays a huge role in calming that response. It runs from your brain down through your body, helping to regulate:
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Stress responses
When the vagus nerve is well supported, your body can move into rest-and-digest mode – where you feel calmer, safer, and more settled.
The problem?
Modern life keeps us stuck in “on” mode.
Signs your nervous system might need support
(very common, by the way and 100% me)
- Feeling tired but wired
- Being easily overwhelmed or snappy
- Poor or broken sleep
- Tension in your jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Struggling to properly switch off
This isn’t a personal failing – it’s your body doing its best. Of course there are many others factors (hello menopause), but the more we can do to support our nervous system, the more we can help ourselves.
How to support your nervous system (gently)
Regulating your nervous system isn’t about doing more. It’s about sending small signals of safety to your body, consistently.
Helpful things include:
- Slow breathing (longer exhales calm the vagus nerve)
- Gentle movement like walking or stretching
- Warmth – baths, layers, cosy fabrics
- Predictable routines
- Reducing sensory overload where possible
No ice baths necessary. No pressure. No perfection.
Products that can genuinely help
These don’t “fix” your nervous system – they simply help your body feel supported. Comfort is not indulgent, it’s supportive.
- Weighted blankets – deep pressure can be calming and grounding
- Magnesium spray or bath flakes – great for tension and sleep
- Soft lighting – lamps over big lights in the evening
- A proper water bottle – hydration supports nervous system function
- Cosy layers – warmth is genuinely regulating
Comfort dressing = nervous system care
What we wear matters more than we think. Tight waistbands, stiff denim, scratchy fabrics all send low-level stress signals to the body. Comfort dressing helps your nervous system relax. Perfect for school runs, WFH days, sofa evenings, and slow winter weekends.
Calming beauty: small rituals that signal “safe”
Beauty routines can also support nervous system regulation – not through anti-ageing or transformation, but through touch, repetition, and slowing down.
Look for:
- Cream or balm cleansers are gentler and less stripping
- Facial oils or rich moisturisers for slow massage
- Body oils or lotions applied mindfully after a shower
- Scalp oils or masks for a regulating ritual
- Lip balms & hand creams you reapply throughout the day
It’s less about results, more about the ritual. Even 60 seconds of slow application can tell your nervous system: you’re safe. Plus, I’ve finally found a budget light therapy mask that has great reviews for under £30!
Small Business Shout Out 💛
I love supporting brands that lead with kindness, colour, and community – and Their Nibs does exactly that.
Founded by sisters, Their Nibs is all about joyful prints, feel-good fabrics, and clothing designed to be worn and loved. Their pieces are bright but stylish, comfortable without being boring – and made with genuine care for people and the planet.
If you’re looking for something uplifting to wear that still feels easy on the body, they’re well worth a look.
If you take one thing from this email, let it be this: Your body isn’t broken – it’s responding exactly as it’s designed to.
Supporting your nervous system doesn’t have to be dramatic.
Small comforts count. Repetition counts. Kindness counts most.
Louise x
*Affiliated links used for some products and brand partnerships.