If you’ve ever found yourself humming a favorite tune while doing the dishes or singing in the shower, you might be doing more than just entertaining yourself—you could be giving your body a powerful dose of relaxation.
Recent insights into the science of singing reveal that vocalizing your favorite melodies can activate the vagus nerve, a key player in the body’s relaxation response. This nerve, one of the longest and most complex in the human body, connects the brain to various organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It’s a central component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs the body’s “rest and digest” functions.
The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Built-In Chill Button
According to Dr. Ruchir Patel, founder of The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona, the vagus nerve is directly involved in the act of singing and humming. “In the throat, there are muscles that help us sing and help us hum that are actually activated by the vagus nerve,” he explains. “So by virtue of activating the vagus nerve to activate those muscles, it also activates the sensory component of the vagus nerve to help induce a state of relaxation.”
When stimulated, the vagus nerve can:
- Slow your heart rate
- Lower blood pressure
- Calm your breathing
- Improve digestion
- Reduce inflammation
These effects combine to create a sense of calm and well-being, making singing a simple yet effective tool for managing stress.
Why It Works
The act of singing or humming involves controlled breathing and vocal cord engagement—both of which stimulate the vagus nerve. This stimulation sends signals to the brain that it’s safe to relax, shifting the body out of “fight or flight” mode and into a more peaceful state.
How to Use Singing as a Stress-Relief Tool
You don’t need to be a professional singer to reap the benefits. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate this practice into your day:
- Hum a tune during your commute
- Sing along to your favorite playlist while cooking
- Use humming as a warm-up before meditation or yoga
- Try chanting or toning exercises for deeper vagal stimulation
So next time you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and hum a few bars of your favorite song. Your body—and your vagus nerve—will thank you.