REGULATING YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM: 14 Research Supported Practices for Clarity & Calm
- Rogers Research Global
- Mar 7
- 17 min read
Updated: May 2
Marie T. Rogers, MPS, Ph.D., RYT

In recent years, the concept of nervous system regulation has entered mainstream conversations vis-a-vis stress, mental health and overall well-being. Most people intuitively understand that regulating the nervous system is beneficial, yet many are left wondering: What does that actually look like in daily life? A related question often follows: What does a regulated nervous system feel like?
In simple terms, nervous system regulation refers to the body’s ability to return to homeostasis—a state of balance—after experiencing stress. When the nervous system is regulated, thinking becomes clearer, emotional responses are more measured and energy levels feel steadier. When the system remains chronically overwhelmed, however, people often experience fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and a general sense of mental and physical depletion.
Stress itself is a universal human experience. The challenge is not that stress occurs, but that it can accumulate without adequate opportunities for recovery. Over time, this sustained activation can strain the nervous system and interfere with executive and immune functioning. When the nervous system remains in a prolonged state of activation, the brain’s executive system must work harder simply to maintain everyday functioning. Gradually, this constant demand can drain the very cognitive resources responsible for attention, problem-solving, working memory, emotional regulation and mental clarity—otherwise known as executive functioning.
At the same time, sustained and unrelenting stress can wreak havoc on the immune system. Chronic activation of the body’s stress response increases inflammatory processes and weakens immune defenses, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness and slower to recover. From a psychoneuroimmunology perspective, the brain, nervous system and immune system function as an interconnected network. When stress remains unresolved for extended periods, the entire system begins to show signs of strain.
The encouraging news is that regulating the nervous system does not require complicated interventions. In fact, many of the most effective strategies are simple, accessible practices that gently signal safety and calm to the body. Think of the practices in this article as a menu of nervous system supports—a collection of tools you can draw from to help restore balance. Some may already be familiar to you, while others may be new additions to your personal well-being toolkit.
The nervous system is constantly responding to signals from the body, the environment and our relationships. The following fourteen research-supported practices help guide the nervous system toward a halcyon state—a condition of calm in which the body feels safe and the mind becomes clear. Whether you experience occasional stress or ongoing tension and anxiety, incorporating even a few of these strategies into daily life can make a meaningful difference.
One point deserves special emphasis. The first practice—restorative sleep—is foundational. While each of the strategies listed below can support nervous system regulation, their impact is often limited when sleep is chronically disrupted. In many ways, restorative sleep serves as the biological ground upon which the other practices can take hold. Without it, the benefits of the remaining interventions may be significantly reduced.

1. RESTORATIVE SLEEP
Sleep is one of the most powerful and under-appreciated regulators of the nervous system. During sleep, the brain restores neurotransmitter balance, consolidates memory and clears metabolic waste through the glymphatic system. Restorative sleep allows the nervous system to shift out of chronic alert mode and return to a more balanced and tranquil state.
When sleep is compromised, the brain’s executive systems must work harder to manage attention, focus, emotional regulation and decision-making. Over time, the combination of poor sleep and protracted levels of stress can contribute to Executive Function Fatigue (EFF). Supporting healthy sleep is therefore not simply about rest; it is a foundational strategy for preserving cognitive flexibility and maintaining nervous system balance—two essential pillars of long-term health.
Ways to support restorative sleep:
Maintain a consistent sleep and wake schedule
Reduce screen exposure at least one hour before bedtime
Keep the sleep environment cool, dark and quiet
Avoid heavy meals and stimulants close to bedtime
Establish a calming evening routine such as reading, journaling, or gentle stretching
Consider adding a Yoga Nidra practice to your sleep ritual
Quality sleep therefore serves as one of the most powerful and accessible tools for nervous system regulation. When the body receives adequate rest, stress hormones decrease, cognitive clarity improves, and the brain’s executive systems can operate with greater efficiency, energy and resilience.

2. NUTRITION & HYDRATION
Every thought we think, memory we store, emotion we feel, and movement we make originates in the brain—a remarkable command center composed of billions of neurons communicating with extraordinary speed and precision. Even our most sophisticated computer systems pale in comparison to the complexity and efficiency of this biological network.
The brain keeps us alive, alert and responsive. Its daily workload is immense, operating around the clock to coordinate thinking, emotional responses, decision-making and physical functioning. This constant activity requires a steady supply of high-quality fuel—otherwise known as food and water.
The quality of that fuel matters. When the brain receives consistent nourishment and adequate hydration, it is better able to support focus, emotional balance and resilience to stress. The nervous system relies on stable blood sugar, sufficient hydration and essential nutrients to function effectively. When blood sugar drops, dehydration sets in, or key nutrients are lacking, the body becomes more vulnerable to irritability, fatigue, brain fog and heightened stress responses.
In simple terms, nourishing the body is one of the most direct ways to support nervous system regulation. Regular meals, balanced nutrition and consistent hydration provide the brain with the resources it needs to help maintain steady energy throughout the day.
Helpful habits include:
Eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates
Including foods rich in magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids
Limiting excessive caffeine and refined sugar
Drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day

3. DEEP BREATHING
The breath serves as a guide communicating the internal state of the body, while breathwork refers to the various breathing techniques or exercises that focus your conscious awareness on your breath, or more specifically your inhales and exhales (for the purposes of improving emotional, physical and cognitive states and decreasing stress).
Your breath is the foundation of life itself. Take a moment now and pay attention to your breath, your posture and your breathing patterns. Too shallow? Deep? Your breath and breathing patterns create electrical activity within your brain and the rhythm of your breath affects your outlook and well-being. This will become especially relevant and evident when facing high stress circumstances. Anxiety can spike when breathing patterns remain shallow for long periods of time.
Another way we tend to compromise healthy breathing is through a slumping posture; which decreases the amount of air inhaled. This can result in hindering the body's full capacity to replenish oxygen. Slower, rhythmic breathing is calming to the nervous system. Calmness enhances clarity and homeostasis. Breathing patterns change under stress. Rapid, shallow breathing signals the body to remain in a state of alertness. Slow, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and recovery
You are always just one conscious breath away from experiencing presence; from being in the moment.
How to practice
Sit or lie down comfortably
Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4
Hold for 4 seconds
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds
Continue for 5–10 minutes
This simple practice can quickly lower heart rate and blood pressure while signaling safety to the nervous system.
BREATHING IN, I CALM MY BODY. BREATHING OUT, I SMILE. DWELLING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT, I KNOW THIS IS A WONDERFUL MOMENT. -Thich Nhat Hanh

4. PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION
Stress often manifests as physical tension in the body. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) helps individuals identify and release this tension systematically. The exercise can be done sitting or lying comfortably and usually takes 10–15 minutes.
A typical sequence moves from feet to head (or the reverse).
Basic Steps:
Find a quiet place to sit or lie down and get comfortable.
Tense a muscle group. Begin with your feet and tense the muscles for 5 seconds.
Release the tension and notice the difference.
Move upward through the body: calves, thighs, abdomen, arms, shoulders, neck and face.
Finish with slow breaths and notice the overall sense of relaxation.
PMR not only reduces physical tension but can also improve sleep quality and body awareness.
5. MOVEMENT

Your body loves and craves movement. Both moderate and strenuous forms of exercise help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety, while simultaneously improving executive functioning.
Physical movement is one of the most effective ways to regulate stress physiology. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, helps metabolize excess adrenaline and cortisol, and contributes to improved mood stability.
When you are engaged in physical activity, your heart and lungs work harder to supply extra oxygen to your muscles. Regular exercise improves the strength and endurance of the muscles involved in breathing, especially the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs). This allows you to take deeper, more efficient breaths, increasing your lung capacity over time. As a result, your body becomes better at oxygenating your blood and removing carbon dioxide.
Helpful options include:
A 20–30 minute walk, especially outdoors
Strength Training
Dancing or light aerobic movement
Swimming
Cycling
Regular movement builds resilience and improves the nervous system’s ability to recover from stress. This presents a great segue into yoga.

6. YOGA
Yoga is a powerful practice for regulating the nervous system because it simultaneously engages the body, breath and mind. Through mindful movement, controlled breathing, and focused awareness, yoga helps shift the nervous system from sympathetic activation (stress mode) toward parasympathetic balance (rest-and-repair mode).
From a neuroscience perspective, yoga enhances interoception—the brain’s awareness of internal bodily signals. This increased awareness helps individuals recognize early signs of stress and respond before the nervous system becomes overwhelmed.
Yoga also supports vagal tone through slow breathing and vocal vibration. Practices such as humming or chanting the Om mantra, for example, create gentle vibrations in the throat and chest that stimulate branches of the vagus nerve. This vibration, combined with the naturally prolonged exhalation that accompanies chanting, signals safety to the nervous system and encourages a shift toward relaxation.
A regular yoga practice has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, improve heart rate variability, enhance emotional regulation and support overall nervous system health.
Simple yoga practices that support nervous system regulation:
Gentle stretching or slow-flow yoga sequences
Restorative poses held for several minutes
Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall) for relaxation and circulation
Breath-focused practices such as pranayama
Humming or chanting (such as the Om mantra) to stimulate the vagus nerve
Short mindfulness pauses during movement
Yoga does not have to be intense to be effective. Even a few minutes of slow, mindful movement, conscious breathing or gentle chanting can help reset the nervous system and restore a sense of calm and serenity.
7. MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Mindfulness trains the brain to observe thoughts and emotions without immediately reacting to them, cultivating an internal state of imperturbability. This practice strengthens emotional regulation and reduces nervous system reactivity. Research shows that mindfulness practices can lower cortisol levels while improving both cognitive and emotional functioning.
LEARN TO BE INDIFFERENT TO WHAT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE - Marcus Aurelius
Meditation is one of the most direct ways to cultivate mindfulness. During meditation, attention is gently anchored to a focal point such as the breath, bodily sensations or a simple phrase. When the mind inevitably wanders—as all minds do—the practice is simply to notice the distraction and return attention to the anchor without judgment. Over time, this repeated process strengthens neural pathways involved in the regulation of the nervous system.
Mindfulness meditation can also include spiritual practices such as prayer or contemplative reflection. For many individuals, prayer provides a quiet space for surrender, gratitude and connection to something greater than oneself. This sense of meaning and spiritual grounding can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce feelings of isolation, uncertainty and distress. Whether through silent prayer, reflective reading, or moments of spiritual contemplation, these practices can foster a deep sense of inner steadiness and tranquility.
With regular practice, mindfulness meditation becomes a powerful tool for restoring clarity, emotional stability, and a deeper sense of inner balance.
To begin:
Sit quietly and focus on your breath
When your mind wanders, gently bring attention back
Practice for 5–20 minutes daily
Offered below is a LIFE IN FOCUS podcast episode titled The Neuroscience of Meditation. This two-part episode begins with an exploration of the science behind meditation, followed by a soothing 20-minute guided relaxation journey. Sit back or lie down, and enjoy the experience.
Both the practice of yoga and meditation help ground you in the present moment. However, if anxiety and stress escalate beyond what these practices can easily settle in the moment, the following grounding technique can prove especially helpful. When stress intensifies, the mind often becomes caught in future worries or past regrets. Grounding techniques gently redirect attention back to the present moment, where the nervous system can begin to settle.
One simple and highly effective method is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, which engages the senses to anchor awareness in the here and now.
Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise:
Name 5 things you can see Look around and notice small details—colors, shapes or patterns.
Notice 4 things you can touch Feel the texture of your clothing, the chair beneath you, or the ground under your feet.
Identify 3 sounds you hear These might be nearby sounds like your breathing or distant background noises.
Recognize 2 smells Notice any scents in the environment, even subtle ones.
Focus on 1 taste or physical sensation This could be the taste in your mouth, the feeling of your breath, or the sensation of your feet resting on the floor.
Engaging the senses interrupts racing thoughts and brings attention out of the mind and back into the body. This sensory shift helps calm the stress response and supports the nervous system’s return to a more composed and peaceful state.

8. COLD EXPOSURE
Cold exposure is another increasingly recognized tool for nervous system regulation.
Brief contact with cold water—such as a cool shower, splashing cold water on the face, or even stepping outside into brisk air—stimulates the body’s natural regulatory systems.
Cold activates sensory receptors in the skin that signal the brainstem and autonomic nervous system, often triggering a shift in vagal activity. This response can slow heart rate, sharpen mental alertness and help reset an overstimulated nervous system. While the initial sensation may feel uncomfortable, many people experience a rapid transition from activation to a sense of calm and clarity shortly afterward.
From a physiological standpoint, controlled cold exposure also promotes resilience within the stress-response system. The body learns to tolerate mild stress in a contained and predictable way, which can improve autonomic flexibility—the ability of the nervous system to move smoothly between activation and recovery. Over time, this practice may enhance circulation, increase endorphin release and support mood regulation. When practiced safely and gradually, cold exposure can become a simple yet powerful addition to a broader nervous system regulation regimen.
Safe ways to try this include:
Splashing cold water on your face
Taking a 30–60 second cold shower
Applying a cool compress to the neck or wrists
Even short periods of cold exposure can help reset the nervous system and reduce stress responses.
9. HANDS ON CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
One of the quieter yet powerful regulators of the nervous system involves working with the hands. Long before constant digital stimulation became the norm, people naturally engaged in activities such as drawing, coloring, knitting, woodworking, building, cooking, baking and sewing. These activities require gentle attention and rhythmic movement, which can help shift the body out of a stress-activated state and into a calmer, more regulated one.

Even activities that are not traditionally considered creative can have a soothing effect when they involve the hands. Tasks such as gardening, polishing furniture, washing dishes, mopping the floor, organizing a drawer, or repairing something can create a quiet rhythm that gently settles the mind. These hands-on activities provide a form of focused attention that allows the brain to step away from constant thinking and decision-making.
In many ways, they function as a form of informal moving meditation, allowing the nervous system to downshift from cognitive overload into a calmer, more regulated state. From a neurobiological perspective, repetitive hand-based activity provides a form of sensorimotor grounding.
10. AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy refers to the intentional use of aromatic plant compounds—most commonly essential oils—to influence mood, physiology and overall well-being.
From a neuroscience perspective, scent is one of the most direct sensory pathways for modulating emotional state and nervous system activity.
Unlike other sensory systems, olfactory input has a privileged route in the brain. Signals from the olfactory receptors travel directly to the olfactory bulb, which has strong connections to limbic structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus—regions involved in emotion processing, memory formation and stress reactivity. Because this pathway requires minimal cortical mediation, scent can influence mood and physiological arousal rapidly and often outside of conscious awareness.
This neural architecture helps explain why certain fragrances are powerfully linked to memory and emotion. A single scent can evoke calm, nostalgia, comfort or alertness within seconds—long before we have time to think our way into those states.
Common calming essential oils include:
Lavender
Chamomile
Bergamot
Frankincense
These can be used in a diffuser, added to a bath or inhaled from a cotton pad for quick relief.

11. SOCIAL CONNECTION
Human nervous systems regulate best in safe connection with others. Positive interactions stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with trust and calm. We're living in a time in which we are significantly less frequently coming together enjoying meals, shared experiences and impromptu visits. Instead, we are retreating to small indoor spaces, staring at screens and veering further away from the more nourishing and rewarding aspects of life.
If making friends feels difficult, be patient with yourself and remember that meaningful connections take time to develop. Do not hesitate to take the initiative. Many people today quietly struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness, and a simple gesture can have a powerful impact. A text message, a quick coffee, or an invitation to visit a local green market may become the highlight of someone’s day.
Human connection is one of the nervous system’s most powerful signals of safety. Positive social interactions help calm stress responses, improve mood, and reinforce a sense of belonging. What begins as a small outreach can sometimes grow into a long and cherished friendship—one that supports both emotional well-being and nervous system balance. Even brief moments of authentic connection can significantly lower stress.

12. PET CONNECTION
One of the most natural and accessible ways to regulate the nervous system is through connection with animals. Spending time with a pet—whether petting a dog, sitting with a cat, or simply being in their calm presence—can shift the body from a state of stress to one of safety and relaxation. Research shows that interacting with animals can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding, trust and emotional warmth.
This neurochemical shift supports parasympathetic nervous system activation, helping the body move out of “fight-or-flight” and into a more restorative state. Pets also provide a form of connection that is uncomplicated and nonjudgmental. In a world where many social interactions involve expectations, evaluations or complex emotional dynamics, animals offer a steady and predictable presence. Simply stroking a pet’s fur, hearing their rhythmic breathing, or walking a dog outdoors can anchor attention in the present moment. This sensory engagement—touch, movement and companionship—helps calm the mind and settle the body.
Beyond the immediate calming effect, relationships with pets can also support long-term nervous system regulation. Caring for an animal introduces gentle routines into daily life: feeding, walking, playing and resting together. These rhythms create moments of pause in otherwise busy days and encourage brief periods of mindful connection. For many people, pets serve as quiet co-regulators, reminding the nervous system what safety, steadiness and simple companionship feel like.

13. NATURE EXPOSURE
Natural environments gently shift the body out of a heightened stress response and toward a calmer, more balanced physiological state.
Research in environmental psychology and psychoneuroimmunology shows that exposure to green spaces can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, improve mood and support immune function.
Nature works on multiple levels simultaneously. Visually, natural landscapes provide soft, non-threatening stimuli that allow the brain’s attentional system to rest. This concept, known as attention restoration, gives the prefrontal cortex a break from the constant demands of modern life. The sounds of wind, birds and water further activate the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling safety to the body.
Even brief interactions with nature can have measurable effects. A 10–20 minute walk in a park, sitting near the ocean, tending to a garden, or simply feeling sunlight and fresh air can begin to settle the nervous system. For individuals experiencing Executive Function Fatigue (EFF), these moments of sensory simplicity help the brain reset and restore mental clarity.
Nature reminds the nervous system of something fundamental: not every environment requires vigilance, speed or problem-solving. Sometimes the most therapeutic intervention is simply stepping outside and allowing the body to return to its natural rhythm.
If you are unable to step outside and just need a minute to reconnect and rejuvenate as you feel your stress and tension levels rising, click on the following 1-minute YouTube video link for a soothing sound and visual experience of the ocean. While a video cannot fully replicate the sensory richness of being outdoors, even brief exposure to natural imagery and sounds can evoke a similar calming response in the nervous system—often close enough to help the mind and body settle.
ADOPT THE PACE OF NATURE. HER SECRET IS PATIENCE. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

14. JOURNALING
Writing allows thoughts and emotions to move from the mind and onto the page, reducing internal pressure and improving clarity. In fact, journaling is a mind-body intervention.
Unprocessed thoughts and emotions can keep the brain in a threat-monitoring state. Journaling externalizes internal material, reducing emotional intensity and perceived threat—and over time, decreasing amygdala activation.
The amygdala functions as the brain’s early-warning system, continuously scanning for danger and initiating stress responses when threat is perceived.
When you put thoughts and emotions into words, several important processes unfold simultaneously:
The nervous system shifts toward parasympathetic activation—the state associated with calm, restoration and healing
Emotional experiences become organized and integrated rather than stored as raw physiological stress
The immune system receives signals of safety, predictability and regulation
The mind regains clarity, perspective and a sense of agency
Writing creates a bridge between the inner and outer worlds. Stress moves from the body into awareness, and from awareness into meaning.
Helpful journaling practices include:
writing for 10 minutes each day
allowing thoughts to flow without editing
incorporating a gratitude practice
processing emotional experiences and stress triggers
noting helpful coping strategies
reflecting on self-inquiry prompts
Journaling can support emotional processing and strengthen self-awareness.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
A regulated nervous system feels balanced and stable, as opposed to feeling wired & tired. Heart rate, digestion, blood pressure and respiratory rate function appropriately. There is a sense of calmness and peacefulness within the mind and body, resulting in a strong feeling of vitality and a joie de vivre.
Mental clarity is strong and energy is more consistent. Sleep becomes restorative and deep. Food cravings align more naturally with the body’s nutritional needs. When these systems work in harmony, a sense of inner steadiness emerges. Confidence and self-efficacy increase, while symptoms of anxiety and depression often soften or fade altogether. Finding this coveted space within the mind and body requires making time for a purposeful pause—an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life in order to reconnect with oneself.
Regulating the nervous system is not about relying on a single technique, but rather cultivating a menu of supportive practices that help the body and mind return to balance. Restorative sleep, nourishing food, movement, breathing practices, time in nature, meaningful social connection, creative activity, journaling and the other interventions outlined above each send signals of safety and stability to the nervous system. Over time, these signals help shift the body away from chronic stress activation and toward equanimity.
Just as a good restaurant offers a variety of dishes to meet different tastes and needs, nervous system regulation benefits from variety. Some days the nervous system may respond best to movement or time outdoors. On other days it may need stillness, reflection or connection with a trusted person—or even the quiet companionship of an animal. The key is learning to recognize what your nervous system needs in a given moment and choosing from the practices that support you most effectively. When the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, it can be helpful to reverse engineer moments of regulation by asking: What conditions allowed me to feel calm, focused, and steady before? Reintroducing those conditions can help restore balance.
It is also important to remember that there are times when the nervous system requires more support than self-guided strategies alone can provide. In those moments, seeking consultation with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional can itself be a powerful act of nervous system regulation. Reaching out for guidance, insight and structured support reduces uncertainty, increases clarity and provides the nervous system with an additional sense of safety and containment.
Ultimately, nervous system regulation is not a single technique—it is an ongoing practice of listening, responding and caring for the mind and body over time. This list is by no means exhaustive. The nervous system responds to a wide range of restorative signals, and many other self-care practices can support regulation. The key is developing a personal menu of activities that consistently help your mind and body return to equilibrium.

Disclaimer
The content shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing significant stress or difficulties with executive functioning, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your needs.

About Dr. Rogers
Dr. Marie T. Rogers is a psychologist, consultant, podcaster, certified yoga instructor, author, and creator of guided journals and notebooks that inspire reflection, growth, and intentional living.
Dr. Rogers' publications include THE INWARD JOURNEY: A Self-Reflection Journal for Focus, Energy & Calm, TIME in FOCUS 2026 Planner, LIFE in FOCUS: A Self-Discovery Journal for Powerful Transformation, POWERFUL MANIFESTATION: Bringing Your Vision to Life through Intention-Setting, Gratitude and Self-Reflection, and FLOWING INTO THE GRATITUDE ZONE: My Daily Journaling Practice—each designed to foster mindfulness, emotional clarity, and inner peace through self-guided inquiry and gratitude.
In addition to her transformative planner and journals, she has created versatile companion notebooks: I CAN LEARN ANYTHING: My Study Notebook for Capturing Course Content, supporting active learners and CAPTURING CREATIVITY: One Idea at a Time, and IDEAS, INSPIRATIONS, INSIGHTS: My Notebook for Capturing Creativity, both designed to hold space for spontaneous brilliance and reflection.
Dr. Rogers hosts the LIFE in FOCUS podcast where she talks about all things neuroscience, mental health, executive functioning, psychoneuroimmunology (otherwise known as the mind-body connection and the role stress plays), mindfulness, and basically how to live your best, most successful, most energized and healthiest life.
Want more insights on the science of mind-body health? Subscribe to Dr. Rogers LIFE IN FOCUS substack and the Rogers Research Global YouTube Channel for guided meditations, educational videos, and neuroscience-based strategies.



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