Pharma isn’t telling you this…
But your VAGUS NERVE holds the key to stopping stress instantly.
This hidden nerve:
• Controls your mood
• Lowers your heart rate
• Calms your nervous system
Here are 11 science-backed ways to activate it and eliminate stress fast:🧵
So why does the vagus nerve matter?
It’s your body’s “calm button”—links your brain to your heart, lungs, gut.
When it’s activated, your stress melts away.
But when it’s ignored, stress builds, anxiety spikes, and burnout takes over.
Let me show you how it works.
Your vagus nerve is the boss of your “rest and digest” system.
When it’s working properly, you feel calm, focused, and balanced.
But when it’s weak? That’s when anxiety, panic, and exhaustion take over.
The wild part?
You can strengthen it. Just these 11 tricks👇
1/ Cold Water Face Plunge
Submerging your face in cold water for 15-30 seconds activates the vagus nerve through a reflex that lowers your heart rate.
This quick method gives your body a jolt of calm.
Studies confirm increased vagal tone after cold water exposure.
2/ Deep Breathing
Slow, controlled breaths (e.g., 4 seconds in, 6 seconds out) stimulate the vagus nerve and help you relax.
This simple trick helps shift your body from fight-or-flight into calm mode.
Deep breathing increases vagal activity and heart rate variability (HRV).
3/ Gargling
Gargling water forcefully for 30-60 seconds stimulates muscles in your throat connected to the vagus nerve.
It sounds strange, but the results are real.
Some studies suggest this method activates vagal pathways.
4/ Auricular Acupuncture
Targeting specific points in your ear can stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce stress.
This practice is backed by science and taps into alternative medicine for stress relief.
Studies show reduced heart rate and stress response.
5/ Humming or "Bee Breath"
Humming or using the "bee breath" technique stimulates your vagus nerve through vibrations in your throat.
It’s a simple way to calm your mind and body.
Humming has been shown to increase heart rate variability (HRV), which improves vagal function.
Why does this matter?
Strengthening your vagus nerve doesn’t just help you feel calmer.
It’s linked to better sleep, improved focus, and even long-term health benefits like lower blood pressure.
And all it takes are small tweaks in your daily routine.
6/ Laughter Yoga
Even if you force laughter, it still triggers the vagus nerve, especially through the diaphragm.
It’s an instant mood boost and a way to naturally stimulate calm.
Laughter has been linked to increased HRV and vagal tone.
7/ Foot Reflexology
Massaging specific pressure points on your feet can activate your vagus nerve, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
It’s hands-on and deeply relaxing.
Reflexology has been shown to improve HRV and reduce stress.
8/ Vagus Nerve Massage (Carotid Sinus)
Massaging the carotid sinus in your neck directly stimulates the vagus nerve.
But caution—use gentle, circular motions and avoid prolonged pressure.
Clinical insights suggest this massage can lower heart rate.
9/ Sleeping on Your Right Side
This one is surprising, sleeping on your right side can enhance vagal activation.
It’s an effortless way to support your vagus nerve.
Studies suggest that right-side sleeping may increase heart rate variability (HRV).
10/ Tai Chi
Practicing slow, mindful movements combined with deep breathing stimulates your vagus nerve and reduces stress.
It’s a holistic way to support your body and mind.
Tai Chi has been shown to improve vagal tone in multiple studies.
11/ Om Chanting
Chanting "Om" for 30-60 seconds creates vibrations that stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and calm.
It’s spiritual and science-backed.
It's linked to similar benefits as humming and shown to reduce stress.
It’s time to stop trying short-term fixes for your stress.
If you’ve tried everything but still feel overwhelmed, there’s something deeper going on:
You need to strengthen your vagus nerve to take control of your stress for good👇
I know how it feels—I’ve been there.
Stress used to run my life for years:
• My daughter’s illness
• 60-hour work weeks
• Prioritizing screen time over family
But then I discovered how to break free from chronic stress.
Now, I share the same techniques that saved me with you:
If you want to learn more about:
• Crushing stress & burnout
• Beat anxiety & reclaim calm
• Saving time each week by ditching distractions
Join other driven leaders in my Newsletter and get my 5-Minute Focus Fix as a bonus:
thebrainrewire.com
Thanks for reading!
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