Get Zen With Jen

01/23/2026

Gentle, rhythmic touch stimulates cutaneous mechanoreceptors, sending sensory signals up the spinal cord to the brain, which can heighten body awareness (interoception) and improve sensory integration. 🖐🏽

The predictable rhythm may cue the parasympathetic nervous system, helping shift the body toward a calmer, regulated state such as slower breathing, reduced muscle tension, and steadier attention. 💙

Research on touch and somatosensory input also suggests benefits for focus and emotional regulation by anchoring awareness in the present moment. 💚

So, soft taps, smart science…using the nervous system’s own wiring to support calm, clarity, and connection. 💚

01/21/2026

Here’s why gentle massage there can feel so calming…

Vagus nerve = calm-and-restore mode. 🧠

The vagus nerve is the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls “rest, digest, and relax.” When it’s stimulated, it helps slow the heart rate, deepen breathing, and reduce stress signals.

Auricular branch near the ear. 👂

A small branch of the vagus nerve (called the auricular branch) runs near the outer ear and just behind it. Gentle touch, rubbing, or pressure in this area can send soothing signals through that pathway.

Touch + slow movement signals safety. 💚

Slow, rhythmic massage tells the brain that the body is safe. This shifts the nervous system away from fight-or-flight and toward relaxation.

Breath amplifies the effect. 🌬️

When you combine the massage with slow breathing—especially longer exhales—it further activates the vagus nerve, strengthening the calming response.

Mind–body connection. 💫

The act of intentional self-touch also reduces muscle tension in the neck and jaw, areas that commonly hold stress, reinforcing the nervous system’s sense of ease.

That’s why even a minute or two of gentle massage behind the ear can feel grounding, soothing, and emotionally settling. It’s not forcing the body to relax…it’s inviting it to do what it’s naturally designed to do. ❤️

01/17/2026

“Yoga for Athletic Recovery is the perfect way to gently stretch sore muscles. Jen is an attentive teacher who tailors the class to fit people's needs as they arise. This is the perfect way to start a Sunday morning!”
- Cindy

Register 👇🏼

https://app.arketa.co/getzenwithjen/checkout/3q5Rxzjc5kSjjaTbeBPG

01/12/2026

Try it for yourself!

Acupressure at the base of the skull helps relax the body by:

Activating relaxation pathways in the nervous system.

Releasing neck and head tension.

Enhancing circulation.

Providing calming sensory input.

01/10/2026

Over two decades & still going strong. 💪🏼

01/07/2026

When an Aries and a Sagittarius are left unsupervised… 🔥 😂 🔥

12/28/2025

Tag somebody who needs to hear this. ❤️

12/23/2025

POV: your anti-aging routine is yoga… with your kid. 🧘🏻‍♀️😅

12/21/2025

Every breath brings a new beginning. 💫

Practice breathing through the ups and the downs…the twists and the turns.

12/18/2025