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How to Relax Your Nervous System

Writer: juliegtheyogijuliegtheyogi

Updated: Oct 29, 2024

Feel calm and collected with these relaxation techniques to relax your nervous system, such as practicing Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose).


Woman in bright pink yoga top and blue yoga pants in Supta Baddha Konasana on a teal yoga mat on a wood deck with green trees in the background
Try Supta Baddha Konasana to calm your nerves. Photo © Copyright by Laura Brown Photography.

How are you feelings these days? Calm and centered? Jumpy and jittery? Somewhere in between? Your nervous system knows. It also knows what will soothe your fidgety feelings. Yoga, meditation, journaling, being in nature and nurturing your relationships all play a part in being nice to your nervous system.

Many of us live in our sympathetic nervous system—a relentless state of “fight, flight or freeze”—instead of our parasympathetic nervous system (our "rest and digest" mode). It’s not fair to our nervous systems to constantly demand that we remain on point all the time.


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Here are some ideas you can do today to relax your nervous system:


  • Take a bath in a dimly lit room while sipping on warm tea.

  • Listen to calming music.

  • Give yourself quiet time every day. Silence can be restorative.

  • Limit your time on technology. More time away from screens means more time paying attention to your needs.

  • Be gentle, and more kind and compassionate to yourself.

  • Try a restorative yoga class. Learn a restorative yoga pose below.


Practice It: Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)

  • Lie on your back, bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together. You can practice a supported version of this pose with blocks or blankets under your outer knees or thighs.

  • Take your left hand to your heart and your right hand to your belly.

  • Notice your breath: the rise of your belly on the inhales and your belly sinking toward your spine on the exhales.

  • Stay here and breathe. Allow the earth to ground you and relax into this space.

  • When you’re ready to release out of the pose, bring your hands to the outside of your knees, drawing your knees together. Turn to one side and gently lift to a comfortable seat. Bring your attention back to your breath and open your eyes.



Note that this website and the Stand Up for Your Self-Care YouTube Channel are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine or wellness plan.

1 Comment


Lee Valdez
Lee Valdez
Aug 02, 2022

Aweesome blog you have here

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