Break your worry cycle!

Feel stressed lately? Your vagus nerve may have lost its tone.

- Melissa Gotthardt

"The vagus nerve travels from the brain throughout the body, sending signals that keep stress in check," says Scott Noorda, D.O., a functional medicine specialist at Resolve Medical in Utah. "Plus, it plays a key role in optimizing energy, immunity, digestion and mood." But stress itself can impair the nerve, which in turn creates more stress. Luckily, there are easy ways to break the cycle. Just...

Kick back with a cold pack

Triggering a response known as the "dive reflex" boosts vagus nerve function. And it doesn't take a deep dive to do it! University at Buffalo scientists found measurements of vagus nerve activity increased by up to 163% in people who applied ice water to their cheeks, forehead and closed eyes for 3 minutes. Cold water activates thermoreceptors that fortify the nerve. Other ways to stimulate the response? Fill a zip-top bag with ice water and drape it over your forehead, eyes and cheeks. Or, in a pinch, press a cold beer or soda against your face.

Breathe through your heart