Daily WellnessMar 9, 2026
A Bundle of Nerves: Decoding the Nervous System
Language can tell us a lot about humans. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that we have so many common phrases that have to do with “nerves.” People can get on your last nerve. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking. You may work up the nerve to ask someone cute out to dinner. And if nothing phases you, you have nerves of steel!
Clearly, we’ve hit a nerve. The nervous system is like the command center for the body. It helps us move, think, and feel. Learn how it works and get our tips for soothing, strengthening, and nourishing your nervous system.
Basic Anatomy
Your nervous system works by sending electrical signals between your brain and all other parts of your body. It keeps track of what’s going on inside and outside of your body and decides how to respond. For example, if you touch the hot stove, you reflexively pull back your hand and simultaneously your nerves send pain signals to the brain.1
Components of the Nervous System
| Brain | Spinal Cord | Nerves |
Nervous System Functions
The messages sent and received by the nervous system regulate thoughts, memory, learning, feeling, movement, senses, sleep, digestion, and so much more!2 The nervous system has two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. All of the other nerves that branch out through the body are part of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system has two parts, the somatic nervous system (which guides voluntary movements) and the autonomic nervous system (which controls things you do without thinking, like breathing and swallowing). The autonomic nervous system has three parts:
The sympathetic nervous system
(a.k.a. fight-flight-freeze-fawn)
The parasympathetic nervous system
(a.k.a. rest and digest)
The enteric (gastrointestinal) nervous system
(separate nervous system for the bowels, which regulate bowel mobility)
Lifestyle Tips
Caring for the nervous system can sometimes feel self-indulgent or something we only think about on super stressful days. But consistent care for the nervous system is just as important as supporting the immune, cardiovascular, or lymphatic systems. A frazzled nervous system can really color how you see the world, so it can be helpful to make a commitment to starting your day peacefully. Try creating some calming micro-rituals to come back into the parasympathetic nervous system throughout the day. You can try techniques like alternate nostril breathing3 and perhaps afterwards treat yourself to a relaxing herbal mocktail. For herbs, nervines are a great place to begin, so check out this list of 13 nervines to get you started.*
References:
- [1] Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. How does the nervous system work? National Library of Medicine. Published May 4, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279390
- [2] Cleveland Clinic. Nervous system: What It is, types, Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. Published November 16, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21202-nervous-system
- [3] Cleveland Clinic. Alternate Nostril Breathing: How & Why To Practice. Cleveland Clinic. Published September 7, 2022. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/alternate-nostril-breathing
