The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that carries information from your brain to various parts of the body, including the heart and lungs. It also sends signals back to your brain about what’s going on in these organs.

Vagus means “wandering” in Latin, which aptly describes this long nerve with branches that extend all over your body. The vagus nerve is the longest of the cranial nerves and one of the most important for your health. It’s sometimes referred to as the “10th cranial nerve” because it’s the 10th pair of nerves to come out of your brain. But don’t be fooled by its name — the vagus nerve is a powerhouse for your health.

So, if you’re looking for ways to boost your health, keeping your vagal tone high is a great place to start. But, how do you keep your vagal tone high? There are lots of things you can do, but here are some of our favorites:

Using a Stimulator Device

The device for vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a small, battery-powered electrical stimulator that sends gentle pulses to the left branch of the vagus nerve. It’s been shown to increase blood flow in your brain and heart, thereby reducing stress and boosting energy levels. When using a vagus nerve stimulator device, you may experience a tingling sensation in your head and neck. Some people also report feeling more refreshed and alert after using the device. The good thing is that this device is available without a prescription and is relatively affordable.

Singing

Singing has been shown to boost vagal tone and improve heart health. This is because singing requires deep breathing, which activates the vagus nerve. In a study of people with heart failure, those who sang for 30 minutes three times a week had better heart function and less fatigue than those who didn’t sing. In addition, another study showed that singing not only improved vagal tone but also helped reduce stress and anxiety levels. So, the next time you feel stressed out, break out into a song instead of reaching for a pill. It might just be the boost you need.

Meditating

Meditation is another great way to improve your vagal tone and overall health. This is because meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body and restoring balance. In fact, studies have shown that people who meditate regularly have lower stress levels, less anxiety, and better heart health. There are many different types of meditation, so find one that works for you and stick with it. It doesn’t have to be complicated — even a few minutes a day can make a difference. You can also install an app on your phone to help guide you through a meditation session.

Hugging

Hugging is another great way to boost your vagal tone and improve your mood. This is because hugging stimulates the release of oxytocin, which is often referred to as the “cuddle hormone.” Oxytocin has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety levels, boosting mood, and promoting relaxation. In fact, a study showed that oxytocin was able to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. So, the next time you need a hug, don’t be afraid to ask for one.

Taking Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat that’s been shown to have many health benefits. These fats can be found in oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, as well as in nuts and seeds. They’re also available in supplement form. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for your health because they help reduce inflammation and promote heart health. In addition, they’ve been shown to improve vagal tone and reduce stress levels. So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your health, consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Also, make sure to include some oily fish in your diet, as this is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and play an important role in your health. They’ve been shown to improve digestive health, boost immunity, and even improve mental health. Taking probiotics can also help boost your vagal tone. Probiotics help to increase the levels of good bacteria in your gut, which can help reduce inflammation. Additionally, they can help you better absorb nutrients from your food and improve digestion. There are many different probiotic supplements available, or you can get probiotics from fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

Cold Exposure

In recent years, there’s been a lot of interest in the benefits of cold exposure. This is because exposure to cold can help improve your health in many ways, including boosting vagal tone. One way to get exposed to the cold is to take a cold shower. Not only does this feel great on a hot day, but it can also help improve your circulation and reduce inflammation. You can also try submerging yourself in cold water, such as a lake. This will help increase your heart rate and improve vagal tone. In addition, exposure to cold can help improve mood, reduce stress levels, and boost energy levels.

Exercising

One last piece of advice for improving your vagal tone is to exercise regularly. Exercise is beneficial for your health in many ways, and it can also help boost your vagal tone. This is because exercise helps reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation. It also helps improve circulation and heart health. Whether you’re looking for a way to improve your health or boost your mood, exercise is a great option. So, get out there and start moving!

There are many different ways to improve your vagal tone. These include using a device, singing, meditation, hugging, taking omega-3 supplements, taking probiotics, cold exposure, and exercising. Find the method that works best for you and stick with it. You’ll soon be feeling better and enjoying improved health. Hopefully, this article has given you some useful information on how to boost your vagal tone.