The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in mental health due to its influence on the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate mood and stress responses. Stimulating the vagus nerve can enhance vagal tone, which is associated with reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and overall emotional balance. By promoting a calming effect on the body, better vagal tone can help regulate heart rate and digestion, both of which are linked to how we experience stress and emotions. This connection implies that maintaining good vagal tone through activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or certain physical exercises could potentially support mental health by reinforcing these calming physiological processes. 1
