Control Your Vagus Nerve to Improve Mood, Alertness & Neuroplasticity

In this episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman explores the vagus nerve (cranial nerve 10), detailing its extensive connections between the brain and body and its role as both a sensory and motor pathway. He clarifies common misconceptions, emphasizing that the vagus nerve isn't solely for calming but also plays a crucial role in alertness, learning, and immune function. Huberman provides actionable tools to leverage the vagus nerve, such as deliberate breathwork for auto-regulation and improving heart rate variability, high-intensity exercise to increase alertness and enhance neuroplasticity, and dietary adjustments to optimize serotonin levels in the gut and brain. He also discusses specific techniques like mechanical activation through neck stretches and humming to promote relaxation, underscoring the vagus nerve's significance in mental health, physical health, and overall performance.