The Hidden Impact of Stress on the Body

Virginia Ankley-Bell
Apr 2
3 min read

And Why Your Vagus Nerve Matters More Than You Think

By: Virginia Ankley-Bell, DNM

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion for many people. Whether it’s work demands, family responsibilities, lack of sleep, or emotional strain, the body is often in a prolonged state of “go, go, go.”

But what many don’t realize is that chronic stress doesn’t just affect how you feel—it affects how your entire body functions.

At the center of this response is a powerful, often overlooked system: your vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in the body and a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system—often referred to as your “rest and restore” system.

It connects your brain to many vital organs, including your:

Heart
Lungs
Digestive system
Liver
Immune system

Think of it as the communication highway between your brain and body, helping regulate things like heart rate, digestion, mood, and stress response.

What Happens to the Body Under Stress?

When you experience stress, your body shifts into sympathetic dominance—commonly known as “fight or flight.”

This response is helpful in short bursts. However, when stress becomes chronic, the body struggles to return to a calm, balanced state.

Over time, this can lead to:

Fatigue and burnout
Brain fog and difficulty focusing
Digestive discomfort
Hormonal imbalances
Increased inflammation
Poor sleep quality
Mood fluctuations

And one of the biggest systems affected?

The vagus nerve.

When stress is ongoing, vagal tone (the strength and activity of the vagus nerve) can become reduced.

Low vagal tone may contribute to:

Difficulty relaxing
Elevated resting heart rate
Reduced heart rate variability (HRV)
Digestive sluggishness
Heightened stress sensitivity

In simple terms, your body loses its ability to “shift gears” efficiently from stress mode into a calm, regulated state.

Why Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Matters

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful indicators of how well your nervous system is functioning.

HRV measures the variation in time between heartbeats—not just your heart rate, but how adaptable your heart is.

Higher HRV = better adaptability, resilience, and nervous system balance
Lower HRV = increased stress load and reduced recovery capacity

Many wearable devices like the Apple Watch allow you to track HRV over time, giving you real insight into how your body is responding to stress—and how well it is recovering.

What Is a Vagus Nerve Reset?

At Bell Health & Wellness, Vagus Nerve Reset sessions are designed to support the body’s natural ability to shift into a more relaxed and regulated state.

These sessions may incorporate therapies such as:

Gentle microcurrent stimulation
Nervous system support modalities
Relaxation-focused therapies (often paired with red light or PEMF)

The goal is simple: Encourage the body to move out of chronic stress mode and into a more balanced state.

Benefits of Vagus Nerve Reset Sessions

Clients often report improvements in areas such as:

Reduced feelings of stress and tension
Improved sleep quality
Better digestion
Increased mental clarity
Enhanced sense of calm and focus
Support for cardiovascular function through improved HRV

While results vary from person to person, one of the most exciting aspects is that many individuals can track their progress objectively using HRV data from devices like an Apple Watch.

Why Everyone Can Benefit

You don’t have to feel “stressed out” to benefit from supporting your nervous system.

In fact, many people are operating in a heightened stress state without even realizing it.

Vagus nerve support can be beneficial for:

Busy professionals
Parents juggling multiple responsibilities
Students under academic pressure
Individuals working on overall wellness goals
Anyone looking to support resilience and recovery

In today’s world, supporting the nervous system is no longer optional—it’s essential.

A Gentle, Powerful Way to Support Your Body

Your body was designed to adapt, recover, and thrive—but it needs the right support to do so.

By focusing on the vagus nerve and nervous system regulation, you’re not just addressing symptoms—you’re supporting one of the most foundational systems in the body.