How to keep your nervous system healthy: tips and exercises

Your nervous system is your body’s command center. It controls everything from your heartbeat and digestion to your movement, thoughts, and emotions. But unlike other body systems that we actively “exercise” (like our muscles) or “feed” (like our gut), we often don’t think about our nervous system until something feels off — like when we’re stressed, anxious, or in pain.

“Ultimately, a healthy nervous system is what keeps us alive,” says Laura Plankis, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Hinge Health certified in pain reprocessing therapy (PRT). “It’s not just the nerves in your body; the brain is the biggest part of the nervous system. Any output from that command center is based on your current emotional state, your environment, and your past experiences.”

Keeping this complex system healthy isn’t about eliminating stress entirely — it’s about building resilience and flexibility so you can navigate life’s ups and downs with ease.

Here, learn more about what the nervous system does, and how to keep it healthy with tips and calming exercises recommended by Hinge Health physical therapists.

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