As many of you know, gut health has been a priority for me for years. In fact, it was the reason I launched Urban Baker Co. four years ago. Lately, though, new hormonal shifts have brought on symptoms like bloating and inflammation, leaving me feeling less than my best. In true "me" fashion, I threw myself into research—reading every book, listening to every podcast, and looking for anything I hadn’t yet tried.

But this time, my big “aha” moment wasn’t about food or supplements. It was something much deeper and far more transformative: my nervous system.

The Gut-Brain Connection

We’ve all heard about the link between the gut and the brain, but it wasn’t until recently that I truly understood how profound this connection is. Our parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for “rest and digest,” helps our bodies relax and conserve energy. On the other hand, our sympathetic nervous system activates the “fight or flight” response, preparing us for stressful situations. When we’re constantly in a state of stress, our bodies can’t rest or digest properly, leading to a host of gut issues.

My breakthrough came when I learned more about the vagus nerve—a long nerve that runs from the brain to the abdomen, forming a direct communication line between the two. This "gut-brain axis" explains why we get stomach aches when we’re nervous, and why stress can throw off our digestive systems entirely. It turns out, a lot of what I was experiencing wasn’t just about what I was eating—it was about how my nervous system was responding to stress.

Caring for the Nervous System

Improving vagus nerve function, and in turn our overall well-being, starts with caring for our nervous systems. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, cold water therapy, exercise, and sleep all help activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the body down. It’s about retraining our brains to know when it’s safe to relax and let go. I’ve noticed a huge difference in how I feel on the days I make time for these practices compared to when I don’t.

Most of us are conscious of what we put into our bodies and on our skin, but how often do we think about our nervous systems? A healthy nervous system is critical to our overall well-being, even if it’s not as visible as other forms of self-care. Whether or not you have digestive issues, supporting your nervous system is essential. We all need moments of stillness, breaks from technology, and plenty of sleep to allow our bodies to enter true “rest and digest” mode.

What I’ve Been Doing Lately

Over the past few weeks, I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down and focus on activities that support my nervous system. I’ve switched to gentler workouts, spent more time outdoors, and traded TV for a good book before bed. I’m still avoiding gluten, but I’ve been more mindful about slowing down and savouring my meals, walks, and even conversations.

For those of us who thrive on control and routine, dealing with a mysterious health issue can be incredibly frustrating. But I believe these challenges often become our greatest teachers. They remind us to take a breath, release our need for control, and trust the process.

Takeaway

Wellness is so much more than what we eat or how we move—it’s about how we care for our entire being, including our nervous system. If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that true healing comes when we allow ourselves to slow down and listen to what our bodies need.

So, the next time you’re feeling off, take a moment to check in with your nervous system. Breathe deeply, slow down, and give your body the rest it deserves. You might be surprised by how much better you feel.

What steps are you taking to support your nervous system? I'd love to hear from you.

CHRISTINA

#GutBrainConnection #VagusNerve #WellnessJourney #RestAndDigest #UrbanBakerCo #MindfulLiving