Rest vs. Stress: The Two Modes of Your Nervous System
Your body runs on two main settings:
- Sympathetic (“Fight or Flight”): Great for emergencies, terrible for digestion. Blood is diverted away from your stomach toward muscles, stress hormones rise, and your gut essentially goes on pause.
- Parasympathetic (“Rest and Digest”): This is where the magic happens. Your body activates enzymes, secretes stomach acid, and moves food smoothly through the digestive tract.
When we spend too much time stressed — rushing meals, eating on the go, or multitasking — we block our body’s ability to digest well.
How Stress Impacts Digestion
Chronic stress can:
- Slow stomach emptying (causing bloating and fullness)
- Decrease enzyme and stomach acid production (leading to poor nutrient absorption)
- Alter gut bacteria balance (increasing risk of dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth)
- Trigger inflammation and leaky gut
This is why even the “healthiest” diet can leave you feeling off if your nervous system isn’t on board.
How the OWL Reset Supports Rest + Digest
The OWL Reset is more than broth and shakes — it’s a ritual designed to calm your system while nourishing your body.
- Broths: provide collagen, glycine, and minerals that soothe the gut lining and support neurotransmitter balance.
- Shakes: balance protein, fiber, and adaptogens to stabilize blood sugar and calm stress responses.
- Approved Foods + Coaching: help you slow down, chew mindfully, and create a rhythm aligned with your body.
This pairing of nutrient-dense fuel + nervous system support helps your body finally shift into “rest and digest.”
How to Activate “Rest & Digest” Daily
- Breathe Before Meals: 5 deep breaths can flip your nervous system into parasympathetic mode.
- Create Rituals: Sip warm broth, light a candle, or step outside before eating — cues that tell your body it’s safe to digest.
- Slow Down: Chew thoroughly and avoid eating while distracted or stressed.
- Reset Seasonally: Giving your system intentional time to reset each season trains your body to prioritize balance and restoration.
Final Note
Healing the gut isn’t just about what you eat. It’s about how your body receives it. By supporting your parasympathetic nervous system, you allow digestion to do its job — transforming food into energy, resilience, and vitality.
Ready to experience the science of “rest and digest” firsthand?