Imagine a lush orchard where the brain is the fruit, flourishing at the tree's peak. The vagus nerve represents the foot, branches, roots, and all the intricate connections that sustain this tree of life. When healthy, these roots and branches nourish the fruit, allowing it to thrive. But what happens when toxic mold infests this intricate system?

Having a robust Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and a well-tuned vagus nerve are crucial pillars of holistic health. Here are 19 key lifestyle modifications that I have adopted to maintain my HRV at an impressive 82 and nurture my nervous system:

Neglecting sleep carries more consequences than mere fatigue - it could critically impact our health. Research links sleep deprivation to heightened susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and increased prevalence of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a fraud, can have a significant impact on performance and well-being.

As someone who has dedicated their life to exploring alternative therapies for enhancing health and happiness, I can attest to the power of cold water exposure. Many people who start incorporating cold water into their routine often find themselves inspired to delve deeper into other ways to improve their wellbeing.

An inflamed nervous system and low vagal tone have been linked to an increased risk of developing seasonal allergies and hay fever. Chronic low-grade inflammation of the nervous system and low vagal tone can weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to allergies.

For example, in the case of asthma, the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. Inflammation in the nerve can lead to increased muscle tension in the tubes, causing difficulty breathing.

Sleep is also a major factor that affects HRV. Getting enough z's is crucial for maintaining healthy vagal tone and HRV, and poor sleep can lead to a decrease in HRV, which is bad news for our physical and mental health. By using a wearable like the Whoop, you can track HRV and sleep patterns and make changes to improve your HRV.