The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Built-In Chill Button
If stress had an “off switch,” it would look a lot like your vagus nerve. This wandering super-nerve runs from your brainstem all the way down through your chest and gut, quietly managing your heart rate, digestion, mood, and even how quickly you bounce back from stress.
In short: if your nervous system were a symphony, the vagus nerve would be the conductor, waving its baton and begging your body not to play at full volume all the time.
Finding Peace in a Chaotic World: How Personal Connection and Kindness Reduces Stress, Boosts Physical Health, and Aids Longevity
In today’s fast-paced world, stress seems unavoidable. News headlines scream chaos, deadlines loom, and social media keeps us in a constant state of comparison and anxiety. We scroll endlessly, consuming updates, opinions, and carefully curated snapshots of other people’s lives, yet somehow, we feel more isolated than ever. But what if the antidote to all this stress isn’t found in another self-help book or wellness trend—but in each other? Science is proving that real, in-person connections are the key to reducing stress, improving your physical well-being, and even extending your lifespan.
