10 Techniques To Regulate Your Nervous System
Let’s be honest: life can be a little overwhelming sometimes. Whether it’s the stress from work, social commitments, or just life’s little surprises, we all deal with moments where our nervous systems feel like they’re about to short-circuit. But here's the good news—there are products out there that can help.
Yes, you heard me right. You don’t have to meditate in a cave for years or become an expert in neurobiology to regulate your nervous system. A few thoughtfully chosen tools can make a huge difference in helping you stay balanced, calm, and collected, no matter what life throws your way.
In this post, I’m going to share 10 products that can help you regulate your nervous system and bring more calm into your daily routine.
Some of these items are total game-changers, and I’m so excited to tell you about them. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, or just find some much-needed peace, these products have got you covered.
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1. Weighted Blankets
Let’s start with something that’s super cozy: weighted blankets. Picture this: you’ve had a long day, your mind is racing with a thousand thoughts, and all you want is to feel safe, secure, and wrapped up in warmth. Well, that’s exactly what a weighted blanket offers.
These blankets work through a technique called deep touch pressure. It’s essentially a form of gentle, even pressure on your body that mimics the sensation of a hug. And let me tell you, that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps trigger the release of serotonin and melatonin (the good hormones that help you feel relaxed and sleepy), while simultaneously reducing cortisol (the stress hormone). It's like a big hug from the inside out.
I swear by mine. Whenever I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, wrapping myself up in my weighted blanket feels like I’m hitting the reset button. It’s especially helpful when I need to wind down before bed, and I sleep like a baby. So, if you’re feeling a little on edge or need help relaxing at night, a weighted blanket could be your new best friend.
2. Essential Oils: Nature’s Little Calmants
There’s just something about essential oils that can take you from frazzled to serene in no time. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and frankincense have been shown to reduce stress and help calm the nervous system. So, why not bring a little aromatherapy into your daily routine?
You don’t need a fancy diffuser to enjoy the benefits of essential oils, though they do help spread the scent throughout a room. Simply adding a few drops to your pillow or your wrist can instantly change your mood. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I love to dab some lavender oil behind my ears or on my wrists. The calming scent is enough to take me from stress to relaxation in minutes.
If you’re dealing with anxiety or just need something to help you get through the day, try blending oils like bergamot (which is known for its uplifting properties) or ylang-ylang (which helps to balance emotions). The beauty of essential oils is that they’re portable, easy to use, and incredibly effective at reducing stress. You can take them anywhere you go—whether it’s at work, at home, or even on a stressful commute.
3. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
I think we can all agree that screen time is a bit of a double-edged sword. While it’s a necessary part of life, too much screen exposure can leave you feeling mentally drained, anxious, and overstimulated. That’s where blue light blocking glasses come in.
You know how your phone or computer has that cool blue light that keeps your brain awake and alert? It’s not doing your nervous system any favors, especially when you’re winding down in the evening. Blue light disrupts the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep. By blocking this light, these glasses help to reduce eye strain, support better sleep quality, and ultimately calm your nervous system.
I’ve been wearing these glasses for a while now, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference (plus, I’ve found some that look exactly like the viral Miu Mius!). I used to have trouble falling asleep after hours of scrolling on my phone or working on my laptop late into the evening.
Now, my evening routine includes wearing my blue light blockers, and I can almost feel my body saying “thank you.” If you work on screens all day or just want to help your brain switch off at night, these glasses are an easy fix.
4. Herbal Teas
There’s something incredibly soothing about sitting down with a warm cup of herbal tea. Whether you’re dealing with a stressful day or just need a little moment to decompress, a calming tea can work wonders for your nervous system.
Herbal teas like chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, and ashwagandha are known for their calming properties. I especially love a cup of chamomile tea before bed. It has this magical way of calming both my body and mind, helping me transition from “work mode” to “relax mode” without the need for a major overhaul.
Making it a ritual can make all the difference. When you take a few minutes to sit with a hot cup of tea, it’s like your brain gets the memo: it’s time to relax. So, make yourself a cup, find a cozy spot, and let your nervous system unwind.
5. Meditation Apps
If you’ve been around the wellness world for a while, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of meditation for stress reduction and nervous system regulation. But here’s the thing—meditation doesn’t have to mean hours of silence in a monk-like pose.
With the rise of meditation apps, you can now get the benefits of a full meditation session, right at your fingertips.
Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditation sessions that help calm your mind and regulate your nervous system. These apps provide a variety of meditations—some for anxiety, others for stress, and even ones for sleep. The best part? You can choose the length of the session, so you don’t have to commit to a 30-minute meditation if you’re short on time.
I started with just 5 minutes a day, and gradually increased it as I got more comfortable. Now, I use these apps daily to help me center myself, especially after a chaotic or high-stress day.
The guidance and structure help me stay focused, and over time, I’ve found that meditation is one of the easiest ways to keep my nervous system in check.
If you’re after something a little more, well, adorable, how cute is this mediation Budah? The adorable lamp takes you through a simple 5 minute guided meditation (and looks really really cute!).
6. Himalayan Salt Lamps
If you haven’t tried a Himalayan salt lamp, now might be the time. These beautiful, glowing lamps don’t just add a cozy ambiance to your space—they also help purify the air and regulate your nervous system.
Himalayan salt lamps are thought to produce negative ions, which help to neutralize the positive ions in the air (usually created by electronics and pollutants). Negative ions have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. Plus, the soft, warm glow of the lamp creates a soothing atmosphere, which makes it easier for you to relax and unwind after a long day.
I love mine in the evenings. The gentle light, combined with the calming effects of the salt, helps me create a peaceful environment in my home. It's perfect for reading, journaling, or just chilling out.
7. Acupressure Mats
It may sound a little unconventional, but I swear by my acupressure mat for nervous system regulation.
These mats are covered in tiny spikes (don’t worry, they don’t hurt) that stimulate acupressure points on your body, similar to acupuncture, but without the needles. The pressure encourages blood flow, reduces tension, and activates your body’s natural relaxation response.
Lying on an acupressure mat for just 20 minutes can significantly reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, and promote relaxation. I like to lie on mine after a stressful day, and it’s almost like my body melts into the mat. It’s one of those things you have to experience for yourself to truly understand how effective it is.
Plus, it’s a super affordable way to bring some acupuncture-like benefits into your life, without the high cost.
8. Sound Machines
Do you have trouble relaxing because your mind won’t stop racing? Or maybe your environment is too noisy for you to unwind? Enter the sound machine—a lifesaver for anyone who needs some auditory peace and calm.
Sound machines work by creating white noise or soothing sounds (think rain, ocean waves, forest sounds) that block out distracting noises and help you focus. I’ve found that they’re especially useful when I’m trying to sleep or meditate. They drown out external noise and create a consistent sound environment, which helps my nervous system relax.
If you’re someone who struggles to fall asleep or has trouble focusing in a noisy environment, investing in a good sound machine can be a total game-changer.
9. Yoga Blocks
Yoga isn’t just for the body—it’s a powerful tool for calming the nervous system, too. But if you’re not super flexible or you find certain poses challenging, yoga blocks are here to help. These simple props provide support, making it easier to hold poses, improve alignment, and deepen your practice.
Using blocks in yoga allows you to move mindfully and with intention, helping to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the relaxation response).
I use my blocks during restorative yoga sessions, where I focus on slow, gentle movements to release tension and calm my mind. Yoga combined with deep breathing is one of the most effective ways to regulate your nervous system, and blocks make it accessible for everyone, no matter their level of experience.
10. Guided Journals
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about journals. Writing is one of the most therapeutic ways to release pent-up emotions and clear mental clutter. When you’re stressed or anxious, journaling helps you process your thoughts and feelings, which ultimately calms your nervous system.
I personally love guided journals—they give you prompts to follow, which makes it easier to get started and keeps you focused. Whether it’s gratitude journaling, reflective writing, or free-writing, putting pen to paper is like giving your nervous system a little break.
It’s a safe space to express what’s on your mind and reflect on how you’re feeling. And when you make journaling a daily practice, it becomes a routine that helps you maintain emotional balance over time.
My current favourite guided journal is The Dream Life journal which takes you through 27 stages of personal growth.
There you have it—10 products that can help regulate your nervous system and bring more balance into your life. Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy all 10 products! I recommend adding 2-3 to your cart and seeing how you get on before trying others!
I would love to know your favourites below ⬇️
