Lazy Girl Wellness: 7 Nervous System Hacks That Take 5 Minutes or Less

Michelle Lamansky
Aug 11
2 min read

Because regulation doesn’t have to be another thing on your to-do list

Let’s be real.

You don’t have time to meditate for an hour. You’re lucky if you get five minutes alone in the bathroom. But here’s the thing: your nervous system doesn’t need hours. It just needs consistency.

In this post, I’m sharing 7 quick and easy nervous system hacks that take five minutes or less—no yoga mat, no special apps, no complicated rituals. These are designed for the “lazy girl” in all of us—the one who's overwhelmed, tired, and still trying to hold it all together.

Why Your Nervous System Needs This

When you're in survival mode (hello, chronic stress), your body constantly runs on high alert. Over time, this leads to burnout, anxiety, inflammation, fatigue, and a sense that even small things feel hard.

The good news? Regulation doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective.

These tools tap into the vagus nerve (the key player in your rest-and-digest response), helping you shift from frazzled to grounded in moments—not hours.

7 Nervous System Hacks (5 Minutes or Less)

1. Hand on Heart + Slow Breaths

Place your hand on your chest, close your eyes, and take 5 deep belly breaths. Feel your hand rise and fall. Tell yourself: I am safe right now.

🕐 Time: 1–2 minutes🔗 Try this in the Calm Body, Clear Mind Starter Course

2. Sip Something Warm—Slowly

Herbal tea, warm water with lemon, or even your morning coffee can be grounding if you slow down. Feel the warmth, notice the taste, and let it bring you back to your body.

🕐 Time: 3–5 minutes📄

3. Gaze Out the Window

Look outside—not at your phone. This helps orient your nervous system to safety. Try softening your gaze and naming 3 things you see that feel peaceful.

🕐 Time: 2 minutes

4. Legs Up the Wall

Find a blank wall and lie on the floor with your legs resting up. It’s like a nervous system power nap.

🕐 Time: 4–5 minutes

5. Humming or Singing

Your vagus nerve loves sound. A soft hum, your favorite song, or even chanting “OM” can work wonders. Do it in the car or shower—no one’s judging.

🕐 Time: 1–3 minutes

6. Cold Water Splash

Splash cold water on your face or run cold water over your wrists. It’s a fast reset for a frazzled system.

🕐 Time: 1 minute

7. Journal Brain Dump

Set a timer and write whatever’s in your head—fears, frustrations, to-dos—no judgment. This clears mental clutter and gives your body a moment to exhale.

🕐 Time: 5 minutes📄 Want more in depth guidance? Join The Inner Balance Method Waitlist to be the first to know when it opens.