Humming to Reduce Stress

People are running around nowadays constantly dealing with some type of stress. Always in a fight or flight mode. Our bodies were not designed to deal with stress on continuous basis. Constant stress puts the body into an inflammatory state making it easier to become sick or injured. It will also make it more difficult to heal.

The vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for resting, digestion, and healing. In other words, stimulating the vagus nerve will help reduce stress and put the body into a more relaxed state.

3 ways to stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce stress levels:

1. Humming your favorite song will create vibration around the vagus nerve causing it to be stimulated.
2. Taking a deep breath in through the abdomen and saying “MMMMMMMM” for the entire exhale. You can also say the word “MoM” but it is prolonged. “MMMMMMOOOOOOOMMMMMM” Try to create as much vibration in your neck as you can while doing this.
3. Getting a chiropractic adjustment or massage around the neck will also stimulate the vagus nerve.

Try to do the first two techniques during periods of high stress or times you would like to calm down. I suggest doing it on the way home from work in the car or even before bed to help put you in a more relaxed state for the end of the day.

If you have any other questions about this technique or about stress reduction in general, please book an appointment here!