Relaxation: Find out what happens in your body

How many times during the day you think about the moment you will go home and lie down on your couch or bed to relax? Have you ever wondered what happens in your body when you relax? First we have to answer a question that you definitely have. What exactly does relaxation mean? Relaxation occurs when the parasympathetic nervous system takes over for all the functions of your body.

The heart beats calmly

When you are awake, stress activates the sympathetic nervous system that takes over your body in difficult situations. When you relax the parasympathetic system is activated which takes over and releases a hormone called acetylcholine, which slows down the heart rate.

The blood pressure drops

Stress makes your heart beat faster and “tightens” the blood vessels. So the pressure increases. The opposite happens when you relax.

Digestion gets better

When the body is under stress, digestion is sidelined as blood moves to the larger muscles. When you relax, digestion works normally. Inflammation in the gut also decreases.

Breathing slows down

When you are awake, your breathing becomes faster. This way, however, you have low levels of carbon dioxide in your blood, which can cause dizziness or weakness.

You feel less pain

When you are in pain and under stress you feel the pain is maximized. But when the muscles relax then the pain is less because endorphins which act as natural painkillers are released.

The immune system works better

Long-term stress makes it difficult for the body to fight infections.

You sleep better

If you do not relax you can not sleep. Were you ever exhausted but unable to sleep? Giota Florou Recent Articles