Autonomic Nervous System Regulation Practices

One of my deepest hopes as both a therapist and yoga teacher is to support clients in developing a nervous system that is resilient, flexible, and capable of meeting the inevitable stressors of life. A resilient nervous system is not one that avoids stress, but one that has the awareness to regulate and create change. As Dr. Dan Siegel reminds us, “Awareness is the mechanism of change.”

Each of these practices is informed by polyvagal theory, mindfulness, yoga, and my background in mental health. With as little as ten minutes a day, you can gently rebalance and support your nervous system through vagus nerve–activating and toning practices. The vagus nerve plays a vital role in the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to cultivate a sense of safety, connection, and rest—foundational conditions for healing and growth.