You know how after a stressful day you feel agitated and tense? Your central nervous system (CNS) can feel the same way after a workout! Hang on, because our San Jose personal trainers have got some powerful info on how you can “hack” your nervous system to help speed up your rest and recovery… and also wind down after a bad day. This hack works because your CNS can’t tell the difference between good stress (like a workout) and bad stress (like a cruddy day at work). Let our San Jose personal trainers explain. Your CNS has two main parts: Your “flight or flight” sympathetic system, which helps you deal with threats and stress. It triggers the release of stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline) that rev you up so you can do what it takes to survive. Your “rest and relax” parasympathetic system, which calms you down by releasing “chillaxing” hormones like acetylcholine that lower your heart rate and help you relax. If you stay in flight or fight mode: Your body stays stressed and on alert — and you’ll likely suffer from all of the things that come with that (like bad sleep, cravings, etc.) Your blood lactate levels remain high, which can interfere with your recovery It can lead to more soreness after your workouts It may lead to injuries And it can even cause your blood to pool, leaving you feeling faint Here’s how you can soothe your “flight or fight” system while activating your “rest and relax” system. Do some light cardio (walk, easy bike ride, etc.) to either get your blood gently pumping OR gently bring your heart rate back to normal Stretch out and do some foam roll work Do some breath work (as simple as focusing on your breath) If you make a habit of it, it just might become your favorite part of your workout (or day), because it feels soooooo good! This leads us to a feel-good assignment for you from our San Jose personal trainers: Make yourself do a cooldown after your workouts – or your day! – for an entire week. Set aside a few minutes to gradually bring down your heart rate (or get your blood gently pumping), and then spend another 10-15 minutes stretching and/or on the foam roll. Take your time with it so you FEEL your muscles and body relax. With your muscles warm and pliable, it will feel ah-MAZING! And it just might make you a cool-down/stretching convert. ;-) Committed to your success, The Method3 Fitness Team Curious about how we do what we do? Fill out the "Request More Information Now" box above to receive your free consultation with our caring San Jose personal trainers OR call us 408-371-1212 to connect and learn how we’ve helped 1,000's of men and women just like get active, gain strength, and get healthy again. Method3 Fitness is conveniently located in San Jose. Our team of personal fitness trainers serve clients in Los Gatos, Campbell, Willow Glen and other surrounding Bay Area cities. If you found this blog useful, be sure to let us know and SHARE it on your favorite channel! The Method3 Fitness blog is updated weekly by our San Jose personal trainers. All content is designed to improve the way you move, eat, and think so you can achieve your goals and live stronger for today. Check back here each week and LIKE our Fan Page, to stay up to date on the latest tips, strategies and methods to get active, gain energy and get healthy again!