Top 3 Simple Tips to Calm the Nervous System and Ease Physical Pain

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know my history of healing a myriad of health challenges. My latest is tackling a chronic autonomic nervous system disfunction caused by years of ‘running on empty.’  So to support you through the festive season, I’d like to share my top 3 simple tips that have worked wonders in calming my nervous system and easing physical pain.

Having faced chronic conditions, including cancer twice, I’ve learned that our body is a remarkable source of wisdom, equipped with the innate ability to heal when given the right conditions and support.

Simple Tip #1 – The Body Scan Practice

Take some time to honour your body’s resilience through this soothing Body Scan Practice. Find a comfortable position, whether lying down or sitting down. Give yourself full permission to stop, just for a little while, and let the world around you fade away. Turn off your mobile devices (or at least put them on silent and set a timer so you don’t need to worry about the time). Use pillows to support yourself, as appropriate, to ensure your comfort.

As you settle in, take at least 5 slow, deep, easy breaths, inviting a sense of softening and calmness. B R E A T H E.  Let your body become heavy, softening your shoulders, your jaw, your brow, your legs. Begin by acknowledging sensations in your face and head, allowing the release of any tension. B R E A T H E.  Move through your body, from top of your head to the tips of your toes, limb by limb. Soften. Release. Let go.

I’ve found this to be a wonderful practice to do before bedtime and as I start my day. Cultivating awareness sets the tone for a calmer and more harmonious inner world.

Simple Tip #2 – Epsom Salt Bath

I’ve been learning that self-care is not a luxury – it’s not soothing, it’s strengthening and filling up our ‘inner tank’.  And when it comes to self-care, nothing quite matches the nourishing power of an Epsom Salt Bath. Modern life can be demanding, but this ritual provides a sanctuary for your body, mind and soul.

To create your oasis:

1. Fill your bath with warm water (I like it hot!!).
2. Select your bath blend: add a cup of Epsom salt (pink Himalayan salt is fine too) and a few drops of essential oils like lavender or frankincense or chamomile.
3. Wait a couple of minutes, allowing the salt and oil to generate their magic.
4. Immerse yourself and in-joy the calm and serenity.  B R E A T H E.

This Epsom Salt bath not only relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation but also nurtures your well-being. For me, I treat it as an act of self-kindness which has become a practice of self-love.

Simple Tip #3 – Anti-inflammatory Foods

Food is more than sustenance – it’s medicine. During times of inflammation or pain, consider embracing an anti-inflammatory diet as your ally. I’ve found these nutrient-dense choices most helpful:

• Leafy greens
• Grain-free carbs like potatoes and quinoa
• Berry and nut snacks
• Olive oil as a wholesome alternative
• Infuse your meals with the healing trio: garlic, ginger, and turmeric

By incorporating even one of these tips into your daily routine, you honour the sanctuary that is your body. They are relatively small investments which can provide immediate relief, and serve as a gentle reminder that taking care of ourselves is a gift we bestow upon our precious resilient body.

Remember: tune INto the wisdom of your body and create a rhythm that feels right for you.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting me and my work throughout the year. The last 6 months have been filled with opportunities to learn ways of taking better care of myself. I know 2024 is shaping up to be a year of big changes both personally and professionally, where I’ll focus more on self-care, balance and empowerment. I’ll share more about this with you in the New Year.  In the meantime, I’m sending you blessings from my heart, wishing that your Festive Season be filled with calm, peace and love.

With love,