In our fast-paced, often overstimulated world, the demands placed on our bodies and minds can easily push us into states of fawn, fight, flight, fear, freeze, or flop. These survival states, while adaptive in moments of immediate danger, can become harmful when chronic. The key to shifting out of these states and into calm, grounded presence often lies in one powerful yet often overlooked part of our nervous system: the vagus nerve.
 
The vagus nerve, often called the “wandering nerve,” connects the brain to various vital organs, acting as a bridge between the mind and body. When functioning well, it fosters a sense of safety and connection. When dysregulated, it can contribute to states of stress, disconnection, and overwhelm.
 
Somatic practices—physical, body-centered exercises—offer an accessible and effective way to tone the vagus nerve and support nervous system regulation. These practices empower us to meet our challenges not just with mental resilience but also with embodied ease. In this resource we share 40 simple somatic exercises that can help you move from states of fawn, fight, flight, freeze, or flop into a sense of calm, grounding, and reconnection with yourself.
 
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