The Elevator: Nervous System Toolkit
Hey and welcome to The Elevator. Many founders today want to build their companies differently, so that they align with their life while also seeking growth. I partner with 12+ CEOs and Founders across Tech, Crypto, E-commerce, and B2B Services to help them navigate growth points.
Here and on Tiktok, X, and Instagram I share products, ideas, and services that help you grow personally and professionally.
The Lobby: Sun Valley + 2 Products in Beta
This week I’m In Sun Valley - it’s offseason here and it’s extremely quiet relative to LA. The population in the whole state is 1.8 million. Every morning I’ve been able to do some nice walks as as well after work (pics to come at the end). A few other things on my mind at the moment:
I’m Beta-Testing Upside which is a really cool type of refrerall network.
I’m also on the Sublime Beta founded by my friend Sari.
In the spirit of alternative meetups I’m hosting a little hike in LA next week.
Nervous System Toolkit
If you begin to get a basic level of awareness of your body during the work-day, you’ll begin noticing how your system revs up or calms down depending on what you’re doing.
Getting aware of the more subtle nuances as to why this is happening and combatting over-active nervous systems through simple tools can help you stay more productive with less potential burnout.
I’ve shared before in the newsletter but if you want to go deep, Check out Jonny Miller’s NSM program. I believe it’s the last day to apply:
Here is a set of tools that you can use on-demand when you need to relax:
I.
Box Breathing –
Any consistency of breath pace (4 in, 4 out) etc. is going to be *really* calming for your system. Do this at least 5-10 minutes.
You can use a pattern of in through your nose, out through your mouth. Or in nose, out nose. This video is really calming and will pace you. Try for a few minutes and see how you feel after:
II.
Palms to Eyes for your Vagus Nerve.
Try putting the heels of your palms and push them into your eyeballs (this compresses the vagus nerve). That pressure can help your system calm. Hold it for 2-3 minutes until you feel a release. This feels really good to people people.
III.
“Tree Shaking”
Getting your hands above your head (shaking your hands) 2-3 Minutes. Is great for your system. Do this if you feel like you want to pace or move but don’t know what to do (when stir crazy).
IV.
NSDR
Any of these videos will be great for when you need to really calm, and this is basically a nap (so be prepared to fall asleep for 10-15-20 min). This is a great thing to practice daily. I do a few of these a week when I can. Somtimes you can even do it immediately after you wake up if you didn’t get great sleep.
All of these by Ally are great:
V.
Mushroom Adaptogens
Adaptogens are substances that help the body adapt to stress for example turkey tail is rich in beta-glucans, which might modulate the immune system, helping to keep it responsive and balanced.
The top Amazon review for this said “I love this, and can absolutely feel the calming/zen effects. No energy lost. I do not necessarily feel the focus side of this, but its great for stress and anxiety.”
VI. Kanna Empathogenics – KA!
Kanna is a powerful South African botanical that’s clinically proven to lift mood and sharpen cognitive function. KA! is a mildly psychoactive but not psychedelic.
Empathogens are compounds that biochemically interact with the serotonin and dopamine neuroreceptors in your brain. I have not tested these personally yet but they’re another option for some calm.
Listen to a podcast on them here:
Rooftop:
Hiking outside of Kechum.
Next up, I’m heading to SLC, Utah in 2-weeks for a quarterly meetup I have with a group out there.
Always reach out if I can help.
Love you all and talk soon,
xx DS