EPISODE · Mar 10, 2025 · 21 MIN
Nature's Role in Nervous System Regulation
from Returning to Us · host Lauren Spigelmyer
In this episode, Lauren explores the powerful connection between nature and nervous system regulation. Spending time outdoors can lower cortisol levels, activate the vagus nerve, improve heart rate variability, and heighten sensory awareness. Lauren shares practical ways to incorporate nature into daily life, even with a busy schedule. Simple habits like taking your morning coffee outside, finding green spaces for micro-nature breaks, and engaging your senses by walking barefoot on grass or listening to birds can have a significant impact. If you haven't already, check out Five Ives to see how strategies like this can be applied to adults, especially in the workplace. Five Ives works with staff in high burnout jobs to help them incorporate regulation strategies into their daily routines.Try it at home tip: Find one way to incorporate nature into your routine and notice how it feels after you've done it a few times.Resources:Other related resources from The Behavior Hub: Blog Post: Polyvagal TheorySympathetic Nervous SystemFight or Flight: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)Rest & Digest: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)Podcast:Rhythms That RegulateCold Exposure: How the Cold Can Calm your Nervous SystemBeyond Deep Breaths: Surprising Ways to Reset your SystemSounds That HealPolyvagal Theory- What in the world is it and why should I care?Find Your Way Back to the Window of ToleranceMicro Changes Macro ResultsI Can't Stop Talking about the Nervous System5 Ives episodeTiny Habits: Get Into NatureOur Online Courses: Classroom Design with the Brain in MindFrom Conflict to Calm: How to communicate with kids so they listen the FIRST time!4 Simple Steps to Problem SolvingDo you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children The Behavior Hub websiteThe Behavior Hub blogAre you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help! Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Lauren explores the powerful connection between nature and nervous system regulation. Spending time outdoors can lower cortisol levels, activate the vagus nerve, improve heart rate variability, and heighten sensory awareness. Lauren shares practical ways to incorporate nature into daily life, even with a busy schedule. Simple habits like taking your morning coffee outside, finding green spaces for micro-nature breaks, and engaging your senses by walking bare...
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Nature's Role in Nervous System Regulation
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