Nurturing Emotional Wellness: Small Practices with Big Impact
In our busy lives, emotional wellness can often slip down the list of priorities. Yet our emotional health is deeply connected to our physical wellbeing, our relationships, and our overall sense of balance. Taking just a few intentional moments each day to reconnect with yourself can make a profound difference.
Here are a few simple yet powerful ways to support emotional wellness-starting right where you are.
1. Stimulate the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system-our body’s “rest and digest” mode. When it's supported, we feel more calm, connected, and safe.
Try incorporating these daily practices:
Deep belly breathing - Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat for a few minutes.
Humming or singing softly - This naturally stimulates the vagus nerve.
Gargling or chanting - Another simple, surprisingly effective vagal activator.
These small habits can gently rewire your nervous system and help build more emotional resilience over time.
2. Spend Time in Nature
Nature is medicine.
Even just 20 minutes outside can:
Lower stress hormones
Regulate blood pressure
Boost your mood
Increase clarity and groundedness
Try walking barefoot on grass, sitting under a tree with a cup of tea, or taking a gentle walk near water. The natural rhythms of the earth have a soothing, harmonising effect on our nervous system.
3. Journal with Compassion
Journalling doesn’t have to be a big task. It can be as simple as checking in with yourself for a few minutes.
You might try:
“Right now, I feel…” – and letting the words flow
A daily gratitude list
Writing to your inner child with kindness and reassurance
Intentionally planning - annually doing a 1 year, 3 year, 5 year plan helps us work towards what it is we truly want in life
Journalling is a beautiful way to honour your emotions without needing to fix them. Just acknowledging what is can bring immense relief.
Emotional Health is Not a Luxury—It’s a Foundation
Looking after your emotional wellbeing doesn’t have to be complex. The key is consistency and gentleness.
Take a moment today to breathe deeply, go outside, and write a few thoughts down. These small actions can lead to big shifts.
Want Support on Your Wellness Journey?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected, I’d love to support you. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can be powerful tools in restoring emotional balance and nervous system health.
Feel free to book online or reach out directly if you'd like to talk about how we can work together.
Take care, and be kind to yourself.
Michelle x