@charlyjordan: My emotional support appliance is a bathtub. Baths Shift your body into “rest and digest.” Warm water increases activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (primarily through the vagus nerve), helping reduce the “fight or flight” response. * Lowers stress hormones. A warm bath can decrease levels of cortisol, which may reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. * Reduces muscle guarding. When your nervous system perceives stress or pain, muscles often stay tense. Heat helps those muscles relax, which can signal to your brain that you’re safe. * Decreases pain sensitivity. Warm water can reduce how intensely pain signals are perceived by the nervous system through a combination of heat, buoyancy, and relaxation. * Improves sleep. Taking a warm bath 1–2 hours before bed helps your core body temperature drop afterward, which encourages melatonin release and can make it easier to fall asleep. * May improve heart rate variability (HRV). Some studies suggest warm-water immersion can temporarily improve HRV, a marker associated with a more adaptable, resilient autonomic nervous system. * Provides sensory regulation. The gentle warmth and pressure of the water create consistent sensory input that many people find calming, especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. * Increases circulation. Warm water dilates blood vessels, improving blood flow throughout the body and potentially supporting recovery after physical or mental stress. * Encourages mindfulness. A bath naturally removes many external distractions, giving your brain an opportunity to slow down and interrupt cycles of rumination or constant stimulation.

Charly Jordan

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Thursday 02 July 2026 16:44:00 GMT