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Directions: List 5 of your daily activities, describe the activity, and indicate whether it is an activity that primarily uses your sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system.

Daily Activity
Describe the activity
Which system is primarily being used by the activity? sympathetic or parasympathetic?
Describe what the system does and how it effects you body.
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5.

1 answer

Daily Activities and Their Impact on the Nervous System

  1. Morning Exercise

    • Describe the activity: I start my day with a 30-minute jog outdoors. The activity includes stretching, running at a moderate pace, and cooling down.
    • Which system is primarily being used?: Sympathetic Nervous System
    • Describe what the system does and how it affects your body: The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for physical activity by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to the muscles. This response enhances stamina and alertness, helping to energize and invigorate me for the day ahead.

  2. Breakfast

    • Describe the activity: After exercising, I prepare and eat a nutritious breakfast, often consisting of eggs, toast, and fruit.
    • Which system is primarily being used?: Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Describe what the system does and how it affects your body: The parasympathetic nervous system promotes "rest and digest" activities. It encourages salivation, enables digestion, and slows the heart rate. This helps me feel relaxed and aids in the absorption of nutrients from my meal.

  3. Work Tasks

    • Describe the activity: Throughout the workday, I engage in various tasks, including attending meetings, responding to emails, and completing projects.
    • Which system is primarily being used?: Sympathetic Nervous System (during high-stress tasks) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (during routine tasks)
    • Describe what the system does and how it affects your body: When faced with tight deadlines or high-pressure situations, the sympathetic nervous system activates, increasing alertness and focus and preparing the body to respond swiftly. In contrast, for less stressful tasks, the parasympathetic system may dominate, helping me stay calm and maintain concentration.

  4. Lunch Break

    • Describe the activity: I take a break for lunch, usually involving a meal that includes a salad, protein, and a carbohydrate, followed by a short rest.
    • Which system is primarily being used?: Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Describe what the system does and how it affects your body: The parasympathetic system helps the body digest food effectively by promoting digestive enzyme secretion and increasing intestinal activity. This results in improved digestion and a feeling of satiation and relaxation after the meal.

  5. Evening Wind-Down

    • Describe the activity: In the evening, I unwind by reading a book or practicing mindfulness meditation before bed.
    • Which system is primarily being used?: Parasympathetic Nervous System
    • Describe what the system does and how it affects your body: Engaging in relaxing activities promotes the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower heart rate and blood pressure while promoting a state of calm. This prepares my body for restful sleep, aiding recovery and overall well-being.