A dietitian’s take on stress, digestion, and calm
Content.
Have you ever noticed how your body reacts when you’re stressed - tight chest, poor digestion, racing thoughts?
I first learned about The Polyvagal Theory from a colleague, and it completely changed how I think about the mind–body connection.
In simple terms, Polyvagal Theory explains how our autonomic nervous system (ANS), especially the vagus nerve, helps regulate everything from our digestion and heartbeat to our ability to connect with others.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the three main states:
Ventral Vagal (Green Zone). Think cool, calm and connected. This is our “safe” state where digestion, immunity and connection thrive.
Sympathetic Nervous System (Red Zone). This is your fight or flight mode. The body’s priority? Survival, not digestion.
Dorsal Vagal (Blue Zone). This is the shutdown or freeze response, often after too much time in fight or flight. It can feel like exhaustion, disconnection and slowed digestion.
While it’s totally normal to enter the “red” zone sometimes, our goal is to strengthen our ability to return to “green.”
✨ One of my favourite ways? A post-dinner walk with Jordan - it always helps me feel grounded and calm.
What helps you stay in your green zone? I would love to hear your go-to rituals.
Recipe Recommendation. Greek Chicken Bowls.
My sister introduced me to What Would Kayla Cook , and I’m obsessed! Her meals are simple, nourishing, and perfect for busy nights.
I recently made her Greek Chicken Bowls, and we loved it - flavourful, fresh, and balanced.
Product Recommendation. Insight Timer.
I’ve always wanted to get into meditation, but consistency was tough.
Enter Insight Timer. The app offers:
Guided meditations for stress, anxiety, sleep & focus
Various challenges that you can opt into
A “streak” feature that keeps me showing up daily, even if it is just for 2 minutes
It’s made meditation feel accessible and enjoyable!
Quote.
Fear and self-doubt have always been the greatest enemies of human potential.
- Brian Tracy
