My Journey with the Vagus Nerve: Finding Calm Through Hot Yoga

Over the last few years, I’ve been diving deep into the study of the vagus nerve, and I can honestly say it has transformed the way I understand stress, balance, and wellbeing – both for myself and for my students.

Like many people, I know what it feels like to live in constant “go mode” – running a business, being a parent, and navigating the busyness of everyday life. There were times when my nervous system felt stuck in fight or flight mode, even when nothing was “wrong.” My body held onto tension, sleep was patchy, and I often felt like I was running on empty.

That’s when I began to explore the vagus nerve and its role in the parasympathetic nervous system – the “rest and digest” system.

Understanding the Vagus Nerve in My Own Body

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, and it influences so much of how we feel – from our heart rate to our digestion to our sense of calm. When it’s not regulated, I noticed I was more anxious, my stomach would knot up under stress, and I’d find it harder to “switch off.”

But when I began to work with practices that supported vagus nerve regulation – especially through yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness – I have started to feel a real shift.

My sleep improved, I felt calmer in situations that used to overwhelm me, and I noticed a greater sense of connection to myself and to others.

“I'm still a work in progress, and this journey is unfolding in its own time.”

How Hot Yoga Became My Regulating Practice

Hot yoga became a powerful way for me to nurture this balance. Each class gave me the tools to regulate my nervous system in real time:

  • Breathing practices soothed my vagus nerve and slowed everything down.

  • The heat and movement helped me release tension I didn’t even realise I was holding.

  • Mindfulness in the practice allowed me to step away from the chaos of the outside world and come back to myself.

It wasn’t just about stretching or sweating – it was about creating space for my body and mind to reset. Over time, hot yoga became my anchor, the place I returned to again and again when life felt overwhelming.

Why I Care So Much About Curating These Classes

Because of my own experience, I’ve become deeply passionate about how we curate classes at Hot Yoga Nottingham. For me, it’s not about pushing people to their limits – it’s about creating a space where students can regulate, soften, and restore.

I’ve seen again and again how students leave class not only feeling physically lighter, but also calmer, clearer, and more at ease in their own bodies. In our modern world – full of constant noise, pressure, and distraction – having a sanctuary like this is more than just nice. It’s necessary.

Our Studio - Hot Yoga Nottingham

An Invitation

If you’ve been feeling stuck in stress mode or simply curious about how your nervous system can support your wellbeing, I’d love for you to come and experience this for yourself.


✨ Explore our class schedule and find the session that feels right for you!

Hot Yoga Nottingham Schedule


Spreading Yogic Wisdom,

Lots of love,

Devina

Founder

Next
Next

Maybe Rishikesh, India Is Calling…