EP43: Vagus Nerve & Anxiety | Nervous System Regulation & Healing

Anxiety and chronic stress aren’t just mental; they’re rooted in your nervous system. In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Abha Rajbhandari explains how the vagus nerve, brain–body connection, and nervous system regulation shape anxiety, healing, and wellbeing. In Episode 43 of Let’s Talk Wellness with Shal, I’m joined by Dr. Abha Rajbhandari, neuroscientist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With research expertise in fear, stress, anxiety, and the vagus nerve, Dr. Rajbhandari bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with ancient wisdom rooted in Yoga and Vedanta to explore holistic healing.We explore how the brain and body communicate during stress and how this understanding can transform mental health, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing.This conversation will deepen your understanding of anxiety, trauma, and mind-body healing through both science and spirituality.In this episode, we discuss:• How the brain–body connection shapes stress, anxiety, and healing • What the vagus nerve actually does and why it’s central to nervous system regulation • Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic balance and its impact on burnout and chronic stress • The neuroscience of fear, trauma, and how fear is stored and healed • How neuroscience and spirituality intersect in mental health and wellbeing • Yoga beyond the mat: applying yogic principles to everyday emotional health • Simple, science-backed tools to regulate the nervous system and improve mental wellbeingWhether you’re experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, trauma, or seeking evidence-based tools for nervous system regulation and holistic mental health—this episode is for you.🎧 Watch & Listen: YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts - Let’s Talk Wellness with Shal, Instagram: @mindspacewithshal, @letstalkwellnesswithshal Website: www.mindspacejourney.orgMore about Dr. Abha Rajbhandari: Instagram: @neurobreathe, https://www.neurochetana.com/#vagusnerve #nervoussystemregulation #mindbodyconnection #anxietyhealing #mentalhealthpodcast #neuroscienceandwellness #traumainformed #stressmanagement #holistichealing #yogascience #brainbodyconnection #wellbeingpodcast