Tips

How to Have a Strong Nervous System: 10 Healthy Habits for You

Posted on by Dr. Oscar Finn (Chiropractor)
How to Have a Strong Nervous System
24
May
  1. Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good fats, and lean proteins. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support nerve function and cellular health throughout your body. Quality food helps to fuel our brains and body for the day!
  2. Befriend B Vitamins: B vitamins are crucial for nervous system health. Include foods like leafy greens, nuts, legumes, and fish in your diet, or consider a B-complex supplement if needed. Always consult a medical professional before trying new supplementation to ensure it is right for you.
  3. Hydration is Key: Dehydration can negatively impact nerve function. Aim to drink plenty of water with electrolytes throughout the day to keep your body and nervous system functioning optimally. Try adding a pinch of sea salt to your next glass of water.
  4. Move Your Body Regularly: Exercise helps improve blood flow to the nerves and promotes the production of beneficial neurotransmitters and happy endorphins. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Walking, bike riding, group gym glasses, running, or playing with your children, it all adds up!
  5. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your nervous system and spine. Stress can be chemical, emotional, or physical and little stressors can add up over time. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your nervous system and spine. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, journaling, or deep belly breathing to manage stress effectively. Speaking with a mental health professional can also be of great benefit.
  6. Prioritize Quality Sleep: During sleep, your body repairs and restores itself. Aim for 7-10 hours of quality sleep each night to promote optimal nervous system function. Try to sleep on your back or on your side with legs supported with a contour pillow (we sell these at the clinic). These positions allow for your spine to stay in a position that does not put unnecessary pressure on your joints. Invest in a good quality mattress and pillows that provide proper spinal alignment. A chiropractor can advise on choosing the right mattress for your sleep style and body type.
  7. Maintain Good Posture: Poor posture can strain your spine and compress nerves. Practice good posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping to keep your spine aligned and healthy. Think about where your head is in relation to your shoulders, we don’t want to be too far forward otherwise this puts undue stress on our cervical spine and surrounding muscles.
  8. Ergonomics Matter: If you sit for long periods, ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed. Use a supportive chair with proper lumbar support and adjust your desk and monitor heights for optimal comfort. If you have a desk job, set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move around every 30 minutes. Walk, stretch, or do some light exercises to keep your blood flowing and prevent stiffness.
  9. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you experience pain, numbness, tingling, or increased fatigue, it could be a sign that your nervous system is not functioning as well as it could be. Don’t ignore these symptoms, consult your Chiropractor for a neurostructural assessment.
  10. Regular Chiropractic Care (Optional): Consider regular chiropractic adjustments to maintain proper spinal alignment and nervous system function. Nerves are how the brain communicates with the rest of the body and influences millions of bodilyfunctions. Chiropractic adjustments help the nervous system function and communicate at its best which in turn help to reduce pain, improve signs and symptoms of health dysfunction, and enhance  overall well-being (consult a doctor to see if it’s right for you).