Dr. Kim’s Blog
Motivation + Inspiration
The Ventral Vagal System
The ventral vagus helps us to feel connected, safe, and able to access our prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that can think clearly and make decisions)
The Dorsal Vagal System
The dorsal vagus is a nerve that is common in all mammals. Normally, it’s helpful in regulating between your arousal and relaxation. When stress is unrelenting, however, the dorsal vagus kicks in to help us freeze. It’s the system of shutdown.
The Sympathetic System
The sympathetic nervous system has a bad rep, but we really do need it. Think of it as the system that helps move you to action.
The Vagus Nerve and Stress
It’s a fallacy to think we can stay in regulation all the time. Life is a series of ups and downs. Normalcy is moving between all of these states and the first step is knowing how our vagus nerve reacts to stress.
The Power of Small Things
It can be easy to feel like we aren’t being productive or successful, but it’s important to take stock of the small wins in our lives.
Dr. Kimcast Episode: Holiday Help for Highly Sensitive People with Dr. Desiree Howell
It’s the hubbub of the holidays, and for some highly sensitive people, it can lead to burnout. In this episode, we chat with Dr. Desiree Howell about how to navigate the holidays as a Highly Sensitive Person.