Stress management – in balance thanks to the vagus nerve
- Maria Kraft
In the noise of the business world, where the pace is relentlessly increasing and workplace demands are ever more extensive, the task of finding effective ways to reduce stress for their employees is at the forefront of companies’ minds. Teams navigate a daily sea of deadlines, meetings and constant connectivity. But what natural resources do we have to counteract stress?
"It's about consciously using the vagus nerve to lead a balanced life"
Together with Gerhard Moser, YOURTREAT expert in stress management, we ask ourselves precisely this question and quickly find an answer: the often underestimated vagus nerve plays a crucial role in dealing with stress. Activating this “quiet hero” forms the basis for long-term stress management – a pillar on which our yourtreat health trips for companies are also built.
The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, fulfills central functions in our body and is one of the main players in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and regeneration processes. A kind of conductor that leads the orchestra of our bodily functions – the vagus nerve causes our heartbeat to slow down, promotes digestion and regulates our breathing.
It also controls communication between our brain and various organs, making it a key player in stress management and emotional balance. If we learn to activate the vagus nerve through certain techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation or positive social interactions, we can strengthen our body’s own ability to relax and promote a general sense of well-being.
Coping with stress at work
In professional life, it is often the small changes that have a big impact. Targeted techniques and practical applications can stimulate the vagus nerve, which has a calming and balancing effect. This not only promotes personal calm and concentration in the hectic working day, but also generally contributes to a healthier and more stress-resistant team.
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Heart rate variability as a key indicator
The question arises: How do you know if the vagus nerve is working properly? Vagus activity can be determined by measuring heart rate variability – an indicator of health and stress levels. Moser emphasizes: “A stable HRV pattern shows that the body can respond well to stress.” Exercises that stimulate the vagus nerve can improve heart rate variability and thus strengthen the ability to cope with stress.
The regulation of the vagus nerve is therefore not an abstract concept, but can be seamlessly integrated into everyday and professional routines. “From yoga and mindfulness to nutrition – there are many ways to stimulate the vagus nerve,” says Moser. The application methods for stimulating the vagus nerve are practical and offer each individual the chance to actively contribute to their own balance. “It’s about consciously using the vagus nerve to lead a balanced life.”
On the path to stress resilience - With yourtreat and the vagus nerve
At YOURTREAT, we see stress management as a strategic investment – a journey of development and change that encompasses both the physical environment and the mental processes of employees. With the expertise of recognized specialists such as Gerhard Moser, we offer companies not just a temporary refuge, but rather a sustainable methodology for dealing with professional stress. Moser puts it in a nutshell: “Stress is a constant in professional life – but we can shape the way we deal with it.”
By implementing exercises that activate the vagus nerve into daily work routines, YOURTREAT lays the foundation for long-term resilience and lasting stability in your employees – an added value that can have a direct impact on company performance.