Harness the Healing With Yoga for the Nervous System

You know those times where you felt wired and restless, unable to sit still? Or maybe you’ve experienced times when you felt heavy and unmotivated, like it was hard to even get out of bed. And then there are those magical moments when everything just feels balanced—you’re calm, focused, and in harmony with yourself and the world around you.

These states are not just random. They’re deeply connected to both your nervous system and the ancient yogic concept of the gunas, which can be addressed through yoga for the nervous system.

In yogic philosophy, the gunas are the three fundamental qualities of nature that influence everything, including your mind and body. These qualities are:

1. Rajas – activity, energy, restlessness
2. Tamas – inertia, heaviness, lethargy
3. Sattva – balance, clarity, harmony

Interestingly, these three qualities align beautifully with how your nervous system functions.

Let’s explore this connection and see how yoga for nervous system health can help you navigate your daily life with more awareness and ease. We’ll also look at specific exercises to settle each state when it feels out of balance.

Rajas and the Sympathetic Nervous System: When You’re in Overdrive

Rajas is the quality of movement, action, and energy. It’s what gets you up in the morning, motivates you to meet deadlines, and keeps you going during a busy day.

But too much rajas can make you feel anxious, jittery, and overwhelmed. Like you’re running on adrenaline and can’t slow down.

In your nervous system, this state corresponds to the sympathetic nervous system. Known as the “fight or flight” mode, it’s activated when you perceive a threat or need to take quick action.

For example:

• You’re stuck in traffic and running late for an appointment. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and you feel irritable.
• You’ve had too much coffee and suddenly feel like you can’t concentrate because your mind is jumping from one thought to another.
• You’re preparing for a big presentation and feel a mix of excitement and nervous energy.

Exercises to Settle Rajas:

• Box Breathing: Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. Repeat for a few minutes to calm your nervous system.
• Forward Fold Pose (Uttanasana): Stand with your feet hip-width apart and fold forward, letting your head hang. This posture soothes the nervous system and helps release excess energy.
• Journaling: Write down your thoughts and worries to help clear your mind and organize your energy.

Practicing yoga for nervous system balance in moments of rajas can help bring a sense of calm and clarity.

Tamas and the Dorsal Vagal State: The Weight of Inertia

Tamas is the opposite of rajas. It’s the quality of stillness, heaviness, and inertia. While some tamas is necessary for rest and grounding, too much can make you feel stuck, lethargic, or even depressed.

This state aligns with the dorsal vagal branch of your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “freeze” response.

When your system perceives that a threat is too overwhelming to fight or flee from, it shuts down to conserve energy. Everyday examples include:

• After a stressful week, you collapse on the couch and binge-watch TV, feeling too drained to do anything else.
• You’re faced with a big decision, but instead of taking action, you procrastinate and avoid it entirely.
• You wake up feeling heavy and groggy, like you’re moving through molasses.

Exercises to Shift Out of Tamas:

• Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): This gentle flow of yoga poses can help energize your body and mind.
• Light Walking: A 10-minute walk outdoors can boost your mood and circulation.
• Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati Pranayama): This energizing breathwork technique involves quick, rhythmic exhalations and can help dispel tamasic heaviness. Start slowly if you’re new to it.

Using yoga for nervous system stimulation can help you move out of tamas and into a more active, engaged state.

Sattva and the Ventral Vagal State: Finding Balance

Sattva is the quality of balance, clarity, and harmony. It’s the state we all strive for because it feels like everything is in flow. You’re calm but alert, engaged but not overwhelmed, and connected to both yourself and others.

This state corresponds to the ventral vagal branch of your parasympathetic nervous system. When you’re in this mode, you feel safe, grounded, and open to connection. Examples of sattvic moments include:

• Sitting with a loved one and having a deep, meaningful conversation.
• Taking a walk in nature and feeling at peace with your surroundings.
• Completing a task with focus and ease, without rushing or feeling pressured.

Exercises to Sustain Sattva:

• Meditation: Practice a simple mindfulness meditation. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath for 10 minutes.
• Balancing Pose (Tree Pose/Vrikshasana): Standing on one leg with your hands in prayer position can enhance focus and stability.
• Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day to cultivate a positive mindset.

Yoga for nervous system balance can help sustain this sattvic state, allowing you to feel grounded and harmonious.

Balancing the Gunas in Daily Life

Life naturally cycles through rajas, tamas, and sattva. The goal isn’t to eliminate rajas or tamas but to recognize when they’re dominating and gently guide yourself back to balance.

Here are some practical ways to work with each guna:

When You’re in Rajas:

• Pause and Breathe: If you’re feeling overly stimulated, take a few deep breaths to calm your nervous system.
• Simplify Your To-Do List: Focus on the most important tasks and let go of the rest.
• Limit Stimulants: Reduce caffeine, sugar, and other energizers that might be fueling your restlessness.

When You’re in Tamas:

• Get Moving: Even a short walk can help shake off lethargy and boost your energy.
• Let in Light: Open your curtains, step outside, or sit near a window to soak up natural light.
• Set Small Goals: Break tasks into tiny, manageable steps to build momentum.

When You’re in Sattva:

• Savor the Moment: Take time to appreciate the balance you’re experiencing. Journaling or meditating can help deepen this state.
• Nourish Yourself: Eat wholesome, light foods and drink plenty of water to support clarity.
• Connect with Others: Share your calm energy by spending time with loved ones or helping someone in need.

Seeing the Gunas in Everyday Life

Understanding the gunas and their connection to your nervous system can help you navigate life with greater self-awareness. For instance:

• When you’re rushing through your day (rajas), notice if you’re pushing yourself too hard and take a moment to slow down.
• If you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated (tamas), recognize that this is a temporary state and take small steps to re-engage with life.
• When you’re in a place of balance (sattva), cherish it and use it as a foundation to build a healthier, more harmonious life.

Final Thoughts

The interplay of rajas, tamas, and sattva is a natural part of being human. By understanding how these qualities show up in your nervous system, you can learn to navigate life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.

Yoga for nervous system health provides tools to bring yourself back to balance, one moment at a time.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s about finding your way back to harmony, one breath, one pose, and one practice at a time.