And it seems like vagus-nerve content is showing up more often — in posts, videos, consumer products, books, workshops, and webinars.
When life feels overwhelming, a simple solution can offer a sense of control.
But most people aren’t dysregulated because their vagus nerve is weak or untrained.
They’re dysregulated because the demands around them exceed what any healthy nervous system can carry.Many of these promise a “vagus nerve hack” to ease stress, anxiety, burnout, inflammation, trauma, or gut issues.
I understand why the idea is appealing. And I understand the science. I’m a cardiologist who treats conditions involving the vagus nerve.
Workload. Sleep disruption. Loneliness. Trauma exposure. Financial pressure.
No breathwork routine or device can address these.
Hacks can help in the moment.
They don’t change the conditions that keep people exhausted.
And when they don’t work, people often blame themselves instead of the system.
A healthier path means shifting the question from “how do I activate my vagus nerve?” to “what do humans actually need to feel safe, supported, and whole?”
People need:
• rest
• connection
• psychological safety
• community
• boundaries
• humane workloads
• cultures that care
Because the real regulator of the human nervous system is not a hack.
It’s the environment we’re living in.
What does the vagus nerve do?
The vagus nerve is a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system and plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including:
Digestion: It helps regulate the digestive process.
It serves as a direct connection to our second brain in the digestive tract.It influences heart rate and blood pressure.
Breathing: It controls involuntary breathing functions.
Immune Response: It is involved in immune system responses.
Mood Regulation: It affects mood and stress levels.
Overall, the vagus nerve connects the brain to the gut and is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body.
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