Humming: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress and Anxiety

In our jam-packed lives, with deadlines looming, chores stacking up, and never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to miss out on the little things that can make a big difference to how we feel.

Picture this: a peaceful meadow, bathed in sunlight, birds tweeting in perfect harmony, and a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. It's the kind of scene that makes you want to join in, hum along with nature's rhythm, and sing your heart out without a worry in the world.

But did you know that humming and singing aren't just fun hobbies? They can actually do wonders for your health, especially by giving your vagus nerve a boost! You may be asking what is the vagus nerve? Well, read on. It’s one of our bodies natural ways to reduce stress and feel a sense of calm. And, it’s easier than you may realize to access.

Understanding the Vagus Nerve: The Body's Peacekeeper

But before we jump into the amazing perks of humming and singing, let's take a moment to get to know the real MVP: the vagus nerve. This incredible nerve in your brain, named after the Latin word for "wandering," is like a little explorer in your body, wandering around and connecting your brain to all sorts of important places like your heart, lungs, and tummy.

It's often called the "wandering nerve," and for good reason! This little buddy acts as your body's very own chill pill, keeping everything in check and helping you feel calm, relaxed, and balanced. Cool, right?

The Science of Humming and Singing: How It Boosts Your Mood

Now that we have a basic understanding of the vagus nerve's role in maintaining calm within the body, let's explore how humming and singing can harness its healing power.

1. Chilling Out Your Heart and Blood Pressure

Have you ever noticed how your heart rate seems to slow down and your blood pressure drops when you're lost in song? Well, it's not just a fluke.

Studies have found that both humming and singing give your vagus nerve a little nudge, which helps slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This triggers what we call a "parasympathetic response," basically telling your body to chill out and relax. And hey, bonus points for keeping your heart healthy and reducing the chances of heart problems down the road!

2. Say Goodbye to Stress

In our crazy busy world, stress and anxiety are like our annoying buddies that never seem to leave us alone, right? But hey, here's the good news: humming and singing are like superheroes swooping in to save the day!

When we sing or hum, our bodies pump out those awesome hormones like oxytocin (the love and bonding hormone) and endorphins (the feel-good and pain relief hormone). And at the same time, they put the brakes on those nasty stress hormones like cortisol.

So, what does all this mean? It means we get to feel calm and chill, our minds get to take a breather, and our worries just sort of melt away.

3. Boosting Your Immune System

You won't believe it, but listening to your favorite song might actually help keep those annoying colds and viruses away. Studies have found that the vagus nerve, which is like a superhero nerve in our bodies, helps boost our immune system. And guess what? Activities like humming and singing can activate this nerve, making our immune system even stronger.

4. Improving Digestive Health

The vagus nerve isn't just about keeping our hearts calm—it's also buddies with our stomachs! That's right, it has a big role in keeping our gut healthy too.

When we sing or hum, it helps chill us out and lowers stress levels, which can ease problems like indigestion, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome. Plus, the vibrations from singing and humming can actually help food move smoothly through our digestive system. So, next time your tummy feels off, maybe a little sing-along session is just what the doctor ordered!

5. Music for Your Mind

Humming and singing aren't just good for our bodies—they're like magic for our hearts and souls too! Whether you're singing your heart out in the shower or humming a sweet lullaby to someone you love, making music can make you feel connected, creative, and just plain happy.

And get this: music therapy, which often includes singing and humming, has been shown to help people dealing with tough stuff like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

You could even make a playlist for your different moods or find some ready-made ones on your go-to music platform, like Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Music. So, next time you're feeling down, maybe it's time to turn up the tunes and let the music work its magic!

How to Make Music a Part of Your Day

Now that we've uncovered the myriad benefits of humming and singing on keeping calm, you may be wondering how to add these activities into your daily life. Fortunately, there are countless ways to embrace the therapeutic power of music:

• Kickstart your morning with some good vibes by humming along to your favorite songs while you get ready for the day.

• Take short singing breaks during the day to help you relax and lift your spirits. Maybe step out to your car and sing your heart out or hum along to a tune.

• Unwind in the evening by humming a calming tune or singing a gentle lullaby to help you relax and get ready for a peaceful night's sleep.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to make music—simply let your heart be your guide and allow yourself to be swept away by the melody.

Conclusion: Finding Harmony in the Everyday

As we journey through life's ups and downs, it's easy to miss out on the little joys that surround us. But amidst the chaos, there's a timeless remedy that's right under our noses: music. Whether it's humming a familiar tune or belting out our favorite song, making music has this amazing power to calm our minds, heal our bodies, and lift our spirits. So, let's tap into the melody within us and let it guide us towards a life full of happiness and wonder.

Counseling in Chicago and Illinois

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Our therapists are experienced and trained in working with people dealing with various concerns such as anxiety, trauma, depression, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, relationship difficulties, life transitions, setting boundaries, managing family dynamics, navigating grief, and more. We prioritize providing affirming spaces for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. We offer therapy near you through a range of evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, relational therapy, and more. Our services extend to adults of all ages, as well as teens, college students, couples, and families.

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