In this video, you will learn about the vagus nerve response to stress. It is also known as “The Queen of the Parasympathetic Nervous System” – quite a title, isn’t it? But how does this relate to the brain, stress response, and the nervous system? In this video, you’ll learn about the vagus nerve and its significance.
As shown in the accompanying image, the vagus nerve is complex and extensive. It’s the largest nerve in your body and is also known as the wandering nerve due to its long and winding structure. Connecting with numerous organs, it plays a crucial role in overall bodily function. The inferior ganglion branch serves the nerves and muscles in your throat and voice box, while the superior ganglion branch serves the nerves in your spine and ears. The rest of the vagus nerve extends to various organs, including your heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, and kidneys.
The vagus nerve is bidirectional, sending signals from the brain to organs and vice versa. It primarily sends status updates from organs to the brain, informing it of the body’s condition. This is particularly important for stress management, as the vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. By stimulating the vagus nerve, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and achieve a calmer state.
When people mention having a “gut feeling,” it’s actually the vagus nerve communicating information from the gut to the brain. To stimulate the vagus nerve manually, numerous resources can be found online. In extreme cases, such as for individuals with severe depression or epilepsy, implants can be used for stimulation. These implants function similarly to a pacemaker for the brain.
Now that you have a better understanding of the brain, body, and stress responses, you might be wondering how to apply this newfound knowledge to reduce your stress. That will be the focus of the next module. But before diving into that, it’s important to discuss the differences between good stress and bad stress, as well as stress and anxiety. This understanding will help you better navigate stress management and incorporate effective techniques into your daily life.
