/Reset Your Nervous System – My Guide to Lowering Cortisol

Reset Your Nervous System – My Guide to Lowering Cortisol

I just wrote up my personal reset plan in my notes and thought I would share. It’s different from what it would usually be…

During those first few months of the year, the conversation is often all about jumping into extremes to “jump start” our wellness routines to support the body. What I’m seeing is that people are craving and needing something different—their bodies are asking for a nervous system reset. 

Burnout is on the rise (I’ve never had this many people reach out to me about it), and so embracing yin over yang can really support our bodies right now.

Gentle-ness. Kindness. Stripping back. Simplifying. Slowing down.

This plan supports our stress response, adrenal glands and nervous system. This is key to energy, clarity and calm. That’s what I think we need.

My Nervous System Reset

Find the yin in our yang life.

  • Go extra slow – with everything! Our nervous system responds to our speed. Take a deep breath and mindfully go about things. Practice going slow when walking or eating. 
  • Say NO. Put yourself first. I find the ‘Let Them’ theory – Mel Robbins’ book has been incredibly helpful with this. It takes the pressure and expectations off.
  • Daily breathing exercise for 3-5 minutes. I use techniques by Huberman or Dr. Joe Dispenza to create a sense of calm both morning and night. 
  • Daily ocean swim if possible. When in Australia, I find this to be so grounding. It allows the body to feel completely relaxed and at peace. 
  • Early nights. I truly love prioritising my Soothing Nighttime Routine. I notice I feel my best when I stick to it consistently. 
  • JSHealth Stress Free Zone (SFZ). It’s crucial to carve out 10 minutes a day to switch off from stress. Put your legs up against the wall and practice deep belly breathing. This is what I call entering the SFZ!
  • Strict phone and social media switch-off. I aim for 8:30pm every evening so I can wind down both the body and mind.
  • Daily movement: 30-60 minutes. Remember: listen to your body. Find a way of moving that you truly enjoy and make time for that each day – it could be weights, walking, yoga, pilates or swimming. 
  • Yin yoga. Practice whenever possible. I use the yoga flows on the JSHealth App (10-20 minutes) and do these when I wake. 

Nervous System-Supporting Supplements

  • Adaptogens for adrenal support. I personally love American ginseng to promote daily energy naturally and Ashwagandha to calm the nervous system.
  • Magnesium powder at night to help the body and mind wind down. Look for one with multiple forms of high-quality magnesium.
  • Probiotics for gut health. I prefer a multi-strain blend with 35 billion CFU probiotics. Look for science-backed strains such as Bifidobacterium lactis to support healthy digestive system function.
  • Sleep formula. Natural sleep formulas with herbs like lavender and passionflower can be incredibly soothing.
  • Saffron. Research has shown that saffron can be very powerful in balancing healthy moods. It also relieves symptoms of stress and mild anxiety, while supporting sleep quality—a great all round support for a balanced nervous system.

Grounding Nutrition

  • One coffee a day. Enjoy coffee the JSHealth way: 1-2 coffees before midday to support your circadian rhythm and nervous system response. 
  • Nutritious meals. Focus on nourishing your body with wholefoods, colourful fruits and vegetables, healthful fats and quality proteins. 
  • Stick to cooking during the week. Look forward to eating out or trying new restaurants on weekends and really enjoy it! 
  • Alcohol pause. I’ve been off alcohol for the last 3 weeks and can’t tell you the clarity it brings to me.
  • Listen to your body. Remember, you know what’s best for YOU. Focus on meals that make you feel satiated, energised and truly nourished. 
  • Be kind to yourself. Focus on progress and celebrate the small wins. Perfection isn’t attainable. 
  • Avoid falling for the latest diet trends or promises of quick results. Remember this: research confirms the results of diet fads are often short-term. It’s not worth it. Embrace balance because this allows for long-term success. I only follow social media accounts that promote this balanced approach.

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