We all have a nervous system, but do you actually know how it works? In this video series Jane from The Flourishing Institute helps us understand the two branches of the autonomic nervous system and explains why marinating in stress hormones is detrimental to your wellbeing.

Watch this video to understand what happens in your body and brain when you perceive a threat. You will learn about the two branches of your autonomic nervous system, the stress branch and the calm branch. It will explain the symptoms you might experience when either side is dominant and why it’s critical to keep the nervous system in balance. Most importantly, you will learn why marinating in stress hormones is detrimental to your wellbeing.

Watch this video to understand how to calm yourself down quickly and reduce your cortisol levels by using intentional activities that boost serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that maintains your mood balance. It is a natural mood improver. You will learn about six simple things you can do to boost serotonin.

Watch this video to understand how to calm your nervous system down quickly by doing things that give you a boost of oxytocin. Oxytocin is your love or trust hormone and it is vital for your health and wellbeing. It calms your threat response, reduces cortisol and boosts your immune system. You will learn about four simple things you can do to boost oxytocin.

Watch this video to understand how to calm your nervous system down quickly by doing things that give you a boost of dopamine. Dopamine is your achievement or reward hormone. It is released when you are about to experience pleasure. It plays an important role in your mood, learning, attention and memory. You will learn about five simple things you can do to boost dopamine (while avoiding its addictive tendencies).

The Flourishing Institute is a positive psychology consultancy business based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Dedicated to boosting mental wellbeing in workplaces, they offer a unique set of evidence-based programmes designed to optimise individual, team and organisational performance. http://theflourishinginstitute.com/