970x125
The daily hustle and grind often come at the cost of our mental peace. Keeping up with the fast-paced life while multitasking and shouldering multiple responsibilities can leave us overly stressed and worried about things that don’t even deserve a second thought.
970x125
During a recent conversation with Masoom Minawala on her podcast, holistic health coach Akanksha Pandey shared a quick 30-second hack to help beat stress if you are overstimulated and overwhelmed at work. All you need to do is massage three points, breathe, and feel the difference instantly. “It’s free, quick, and surprisingly powerful,” she said in the video.
Detailing the massage techniques, Pandey explained: “Wherever you are sitting right now, if you have a little bit of sesame oil or ghee, no problem. There are three points in your ear that you can massage right now. So, take the first two fingers and place them below your ear, and go in a circular motion. Next, move to the top of your ear and massage here. And the last — you hold your ear and pull it outwards. From top to bottom.”
“Even as you are doing it, you should be able to feel the relaxation. You can actually feel the tingle. Do it 4-5 times and it immediately relaxes you,” she added.
Use ghee or sesame oil to massage your ear (Source: Freepik)
Is this massage really helpful?
Dr Kritu Bhandari, MD, dermatology and cosmetology, and founder of Orijine – Skin, Hair, Wellness, told indianexpress.com that ear massages play an indirect role in stress reduction, which helps regulate the nervous system and calm you down. “By targeting pressure points, ear massage helps in stress reduction. Improved sleep quality is a known ally in the fight against premature ageing. Ear massage promotes relaxation,” she mentioned.
Chronic stress can put your body in alert mode, and if your body doesn’t feel safe, it won’t waste energy doing things that are optional for survival. Regulating your nervous system periodically can help bring balance and let you focus on tasks with improved clarity and concentration — thereby increasing your productivity and quality of life, she added.
Story continues below this ad
How can you increase nervous system regulation?
Somatic healer Navedita Singh suggested the following ways to help regulate your nervous system when you feel overstimulated:
Slow diaphragmatic breathing: Slow breathing activates the vagus nerve and brings the body into a parasympathetic state.
Cold exposure: Cold water splashing of the face or showering with cold water is likely to stimulate the vagus nerve and reset the nervous system.
Grounding techniques: Sensory-oriented activities such as barefoot walking, grasping a textured object, or attention to physical sensations can de-arouse the nervous system.
Story continues below this ad
Vagal nerve stimulation: Humming, singing, or gargling stimulates the vagus nerve, supporting a more regulated, calm state.
Maintenance sleep and nutrition: Routine activities facilitate brain and body regulation and stressor resilience.
Both experts emphasised that a regulated nervous system depends heavily on stable sleep cycles and balanced blood sugar. Prioritize seven to nine hours of sleep, regular meals, and regular exercise.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
970x125
