Vagus Nerve Toning and the Transformative Techniques That Worked for Me

Have you heard of the vagus nerve and how to tone it?

The New York Times reviews both the trend and science in this recent article.

When someone asks me what has helped my well-being the most?

Toning my vagus nerve. No question.

It’s what I mean when I say I’ve gone from a “brain on a stick” to embodiment.

In today’s video, I go over the details of what’s worked for me over the past five years.

The short highlighted version:

I’ve used my WHOOP bracelet for over three years now to track my biometrics. My heart rate variability (HRV) has increased with time, practice, and adjustments. There are many tools out there for tracking. I have certainly had moments where I watch my brain try to use my bracelet data against me or to aim for perfection. Not the goal.

1. Exercise

2. Cold Exposure

3. Massage

4. Using the Voice (singing, chanting, laughing, humming)

5. Probiotics / Supplements

   1. Two weeks into starting graduate school in 2008, my IBS symptoms began. It’s been a long journey for me to resolve digestive issues. Probiotics and supplements have helped.

6. Meditation / Breathwork

   1. My favorite teacher is Scott Schwenk. His YouTube channel has a free 30-minute breathwork session you can test out for yourself.

A crucial component to implementing these techniques was finding versions that I WANTED to do.

I haven’t tortured myself with exercise or meditation in recent years. I’ve leaned into what I like and enjoy. I encourage you to do the same!

What’s working for you right now in improving your health?