Ice facials, ice baths for your face or body, and cold showers are three effective ways to regulate your nervous system. Short-term exposure to cold stimulates your vagus nerve and reduces your body's stress response. When you expose your body to cold temperatures, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" response. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

Ice facials involve applying ice or a cold compress to your face and gently rubbing it on your face and neck.

For an ice bath facial, start by filling a small bowl that is big enough for your face with ice and water. Find a place to sit and place the bowl on a flat surface, ensuring that the area surrounding the bowl is clear. Have a towel handy. Start with a deep inhale and place your face into the ice water for about 15 to 30 seconds (breathe!). Repeat as needed. You can also dunk your hands into the ice water for the same effect.

For a full body ice bath, fill a tub with water and ice. Hop in and soak for as long as needed. Try and deep breathe throughout the ordeal.

Cold showers are also a great form of cold exposure and vagus nerve stimulation. For a cold shower, you can do your whole shower from start to finish cold. Or, at the last three to five minutes of your shower, start slowly cooling the temperature of the water, until you get to a cold setting and submerge your face and body in the water.