Rest and Digest

R is for Rest and Digest!

In order to fully breakdown and absorb your food during and after eating you need to be in the Para-Sympathetic nervous system state. What does this mean? Well if you are eating under stress your body is in sympathetic nervous system dominance which means you are releasing cortisol and blood is being sent to your brain and limbs AWAY from your digestive system. Why? Because when you’re under stress your body is gearing you up to run away from the ‘stress’ years ago this would have been a big toothed tiger but this day in age it is your 100 unread emails, or stress from your ever growing ‘to-do’ list. Eating in this state continuously can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, acid reflux and other nasty symptoms.

How to make sure you’re in the para-sympathetic rest and digest phase?

·         Before eating make sure you take 5 deep breaths, this calms your nervous system and relaxes you before you eat.

·         Make sure you are sat down at a table, not stood up or, even worse, walking or driving.

·         Take time to look at and appreciate your meal, being mindful of your pace.

·         Don’t eat with a distraction such as scrolling on your phone or watching tv.

·         Put your cutlery down 3 times during your mean and take as breath before starting to eat again

·         Sit still for 5 minutes after eating and just relax.