Tap Into Your Parasympathetic Nervous System This Summer

Personally, summer is my favourite time of the year. If your birthday occurs during the summer season, I imagine you feel the same passion towards this time of the year as I do. I contribute this love for the summer months to being a fire sign astrologically. My birthday is July 28 which makes me a Leo. 

During these times, the sun is shining, the gardens are growing and the bumblebees are humming. It is pure perfection. I apologize in advance if you do not feel the same way I do about summertime but I hope I can change your mind.

This summer, I am challenging you to let yourself relax. Let yourself fully indulge of everything summer offers. Use the glorious weather as an invitation to heal your mind, body and soul. With the current pandemic occurring, it is the perfect time for us to dive into our self wellness. It is time to tap into your  PARASYMPATHETIC nervous system.

Your parasympathetic nervous system is one of two divisions of the autonomic nervous system which acts unconsciously within your body. The parasympathetic system is also known to us as the "Rest & Digest" system. Maybe you have heard of the sympathetic system before, also known as the "Fight or Flight" system, these two systems are opposite of one another. When we rest and digest, our body slows down to focus on healing, digesting and reducing stress. When we are in fight or flight mode, our body focuses on increasing vision, muscle function and perspiration. Understand? If you need more information, here is an educational link. 

Now you may be asking yourself, how can I do this? There is no simple answer to this question as each of us have our own individual experiences with relaxation of the body. Today we are going to discuss simple ideas you can add into your everyday life that will help you relax this summer. Even if you have that full-time job, a family and trying to live a social life... we can do this.

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Ask yourself:

"What is my favourite summer activity?" 

"Where is one place I want to explore this summer?"

"What is one unhealthy habit I can change to promote relaxation this summer?"

Write these answers down on a piece of paper and put it on the fridge (or anywhere else you will see it daily). This is one simple activity that can help you create a stress-free summer. Every few days, re-ask yourself the same questions. Did the answers change? Are you doing your favourite summer activity? Are you enjoying yourself? This is a great time for self-reflection.


To add to this exercise, I challenge you to pick one summer activity to add into your daily routine. Here are some ideas. Remember, think 'simplicity':

• Walking
• Hiking
• Family dinners
• Biking
• Planting
• Fishing
• Gardening
• Kayaking or Canoeing
• Swimming
• Suntanning
• Golfing
• Reading
• Drawing
• Journalling
• Yoga or Meditation
• Any other form of exercise (weight lifting, pilates, running etc.)
• Foraging
• Coffee in the sunshine

Whatever you chose, start with a simple goal on how you can incorporate this into each day. For example, I am going to aim to walk everyday this summer for at least 30 minutes. This goal is tailored to me and may or may not be appropriate for you. Your goal must be specific, attainable, measurable, realistic and time-based for success. This means starting small and working your way up to something bigger after each small success.

I have decided to dedicate this summer to full relaxation of my mind, body and soul. I hope you can as well. Evening if you are working, studying or volunteering, it is necessary to set time out of your day for self care. Your health and wellness is more important than your job or schooling. Some of us need to hear that!

Good luck to you all. I hope your summer is enjoyable and relaxing.

Thanks for reading.

This is how we flourish.

​Abby