Secret to finding calm in the chaos

'Tis the season of go-go-go! An easy way to reclaim peace? Toning your vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart, lungs, intestines and other organs. A strong vagus protects you from the effects of stress and optimizes your immune system. Plus, findings in Frontline Gastroenterology suggests it cuts bloat by 43%! And while the vagus nerve can become up to 69% more lax between our 20s and 50s (and beyond), strengthening it is easy. Just...

- Melissa Gotthardt

Massage your scalp

A scalp massage feels oh-so relaxing. And a study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reveals why: Rubbing the scalp activates sensory nerves that send stimulating signals to the vagus nerve. In the study, a 7-minute scalp massage increased the activity of the stress-busting vagus nerve by 67%. A simple way to activate the nerves: Using your fingertips, apply gentle pressure to your temples, moving in small circles. Work your way from the sides of your head to the top of your scalp, then continue down the back of your head to the nape of your neck.

Breathe from the heart

Heart-focused breathing strengthens the vagus nerve by easing the negative emotions that can weaken it. In fact, research conducted at the HeartMath Institute suggests this type of breathing boosts