Our nervous system has two states:
- Parasympathetic (resting, digesting, growth and development) 💤
- Sympathetic (fight or flight) 🏃♂️
In a sympathetic state, blood flows to the extremities and the reflexive part of the brain. In a parasympathetic state, blood flows to the core and the cortex of the brain, which is where babies THRIVE! 🌟
Guess which state is better for learning? Better for hitting milestones?
How can you help your baby or child stimulate their parasympathetic nervous system? Here are some ideas:
- 🤱 Bring your baby to your chest and breathe deeply to lower cortisol levels for both of you.
- 👣 Massage your baby’s feet and neck to stimulate the Vagus nerve.
- 🚼 Press your baby’s knees to their chest for 15-30 seconds.
- 👐 Get your baby a pediatric chiropractic adjustment.
- 🌳 Spend time in nature.
These techniques are easy and free! How are you going to help your baby THRIVE? I want to hear about them below! Do you have other techniques? We’d love to have you share them here! 💬👇