Brr-rr-r-r! On Purpose

We have a big gangly nerve that runs to most of our major organs. It’s called the Vagus Nerve, and it’s a major player in our Rest & Digest (parasympathetic branch of the nervous system) behaviors. It has a weird bunch of likes, including gagging(!) and humming. One of its favorites is cold. You’ve probably heard of the practice of alternating sauna time with jumping into a snowbank–”Aaah” says the Vagus. We’re coming up to Polar Bear Plunge season, celebrated on New Years Day, where a bunch of scantily clad folks give their vagus nerve a feast by jumping into a cold body of water. The way to make a cold/cool shock into a Rest & Digest “Aaah” is to breathe deeply while shocking. You are cordially invited to find  your local Plunge! Or, if you like the idea and prefer it gently, end your shower with 30 seconds (and building up to more) of cool or cold water. And remember to BREATHE!

Suggestion from Mariah Kaye, Senior Fitness Specialist, offering more fitness choices through MoveAnyWayFitness.com.