How We Work: Lesson Two

Lesson Two in the “Fucking Fitness” Series

My super simplified version of  human function.  We have the executive suite (nervous and endocrine systems), operations (Cardiorespiratory and lymphatic systems), utilities (digestive and urinary systems), outreach (reproduction), and infrastructure (muscles and bones).  

Read on for my shallow dive into the executive suite, or take this re-framing and run with it.  We are more than just muscle, bone, and fat.  Seriously.  

EXECUTIVE SUITE

Behind it All: Nervous System:  Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves

The brain and spinal cord control and choreograph every function in the body.

At the core of everything is our brain and spinal cord. The brain processes everything, the spinal cord creates the freeway for the nerves to travel through.  They wiggle out, and carry messages to and from the brain to the rest of the body.  Sensory input, muscle control, all that runs through nerves and neurons.  

Vice President: Endocrine System

The system of glands that make and release hormones works with the nervous system to control and coordinate… everything.  Pineal, parathyroids, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, pituitary, and ovaries/testes.

Hormones from these glands regulate everything from blood sugars and metabolism to heart rate in a stress response and calcium levels in the blood.  We often think of hormones only in relation to puberty and pregnancy but hormones are involved in every single function of the human body.

Today’s Exercise: Improving Parasympathetic Tone
The body can be in parasympathetic response or in the sympathetic response. This setting determines/is determined by hormones and affects blood flow and all sorts of functions. Improving parasympathetic tone will benefit functionality of the systems.

Sit in a comfortable position. Better yet, lie down (if that is comfortable). Keep the spine long. Breathe deep and long. Exhale slowly through the lips. Close your eyes and continue the deep breathing.

Exercise Snack: Brain Break
Throughout the day, when it is safe to, close your eyes. The majority of our brain power is spent on visual processing. By reducing the input, we can reduce the workload and take a mini brain break.