This is 1 Body Function That Helps You Recharge, Restore and Rejuvenate

Photo by Brodie Vissers from Burst

With the holidays in tow and hopefully, an opportunity to relax and unwind from the stressors of the year. 

There is one bodily system worth giving some cred for its vital role in helping to recharge, restore, and rejuvenate the body most modestly. 

It's called Rest and Digest.

The "Rest and Digest" response is part o the parasympathetic nervous system.

It kicks into gear when your body is feeling relaxed.  What the rest and digest response does is divert energy from other bodily systems to help support the digestive system.

When rest and digest are activated, the digestive system can work it's magic re-nourishing the body, for restoration, repair, and re-fueling in readiness for future demands that will be placed upon it.  

A lot of fascinating things happen when the rest and digest response is activated by the body. Among them: 

The heart rate slows down
Blood pressure lowers
Muscles relax
Digestive enzymes are released, and
The digestive system work more optimally 

It's fascinating, intricate, and worth being aware of so that you help your body get the most from this incredible body function. 

How to Support Rest and Digest 

When the body is feeling stressed, anxious, tense, and on high alert, another response called "fight-or-flight" is likely at play. This has the opposite effect in the body than rest and digest. Where energy rapidly is broken down and is sent to the working muscles to help you flee from a difficult situation. 

So to support your restorative rest and digest response, it is vital to try to reduce your stress as much as you can. Take time out for you, listen to your body's needs, try some exercises around being more mindful -- that sort of thing can really help.

Take some time to let your body's natural rest and digest response show its magic. 

More Things You Might Like: 

Read: 3 Things to Get Rid of That Will Make Your Home More Body Friendly
Read: This is the Right Way To Love Your Body
Zine: 70 Acts of Self-Care
Zine: Love Me: A Step-By-Step Guide to Body Appreciation