Well+Being Holistic Mental Health
Emotional Health & Wellness Tips From The Therapy Couch And Other Places
Everyone Is Talking About The Vagus Nerve: Why You Should Care, And How To Keep It Healthy
The vagus nerve is so trendy right now, I half expect it to start a TikTok. But seriously—the vagus nerve isn’t just wellness hype. It’s one of the most important parts of your nervous system, acting as a communication superhighway between your brain and body. It helps regulate heart rate, digestion, mood, inflammation, and your ability to calm down after stress. When the vagus nerve is functioning well, it’s easier to feel grounded, present, and emotionally balanced. When it’s not, you might feel anxious, disconnected, or stuck in overdrive. Supporting vagal tone isn’t just about feeling relaxed—it’s about building a more resilient, regulated foundation for your mental and physical health. Of late, my NYC therapy patients are coming to psychotherapy sessions curious about the vagus nerve and interested in exploring ways to improve vagal tone.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, burnt out, or like your body is stuck in “survival mode,” you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Many people who come to therapy are dealing with symptoms that don’t always make sense on the surface: racing thoughts, a tight chest, digestive discomfort, irritability, and trouble sleeping. What’s often missing from the conversation is the connection between these symptoms and the state of your nervous system. For many New Yorkers, life moves fast—too fast for the nervous system to fully keep up. Constant noise, crowded commutes, long work hours, and the pressure to always be “on” can leave the body stuck in a chronic state of high alert. Over time, this wears down the vagus nerve’s ability to regulate stress effectively. Instead of shifting back into calm after a busy day or a tough interaction, your body may stay tense, wired, or exhausted. You might notice this as anxiety that never fully quiets down, a gut that’s always acting up, trouble sleeping or feeling emotionally reactive over small things. This kind of vagus nerve dysregulation is common in fast-paced, high-stress environments like NYC—but it’s also something therapy, along with nervous system-informed practices, can help you gently repair.
Natural Solutions And Alternative Therapies To Heal Your Anxiety
Most of us struggle with anxiety from time to time, and many will turn to medications such as SSRI’s and anxiolytics to reduce symptoms. Some individuals may experience unwanted side effects, find limited relief, or prefer to explore natural alternatives. It's true that while medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and anxiolytics can be effective for many individuals in managing anxiety, they might not be the best fit for everyone. Fortunately, there are indeed excellent options available for those seeking alternative or complementary treatments for anxiety.
Individuals who chose to work with a holistic psychotherapist are a likely to seek a natural alternative to treating their anxiety symptoms. Holistic practitioners are often extensively trained in the best and safest practices for alleviating anxiety. In addition to effective psychotherapy modalities such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT and