Unlock Calmness: How Singing Soothes Stress Through The Vagus Nerve

Hey, guys!

I want to share another quick tool with you to calm your body when you are in a stressed or triggered state. I’m Sandy Woznicki, and I help stressed and anxious people find their inner calm and learn how to know, like, and trust themselves. 

When you get stressed, angry, fearful, anxious, any of those high survival mode heightened states in your nervous system, first and foremost, before you do any problem-solving, before you have any of those conversations or those confrontations, your first step is to just get your body back down into what I call your zone of control. 

Because that’s when you have access to all of your great tools. One really simple way to do this, humming or singing is a very powerful tool. The vagus nerve runs up through here, and that sends information from our body up into our brain. 

And so any way that we can tell our brain we’re calm, we’re safe, we’re in control. My go to song to right now is Guns N’Roses Sweet Child of Mine because my husband found it turned into a children’s book. 

But when I’m feeling stressed, especially when he’s having a tantrum, I just start to that song, and instantly I can start to feel I’m getting more in control over my body. And once I come back down, then with a clear mind, I can take action on whatever situation is in front of me. 

Try it out.

Link to reputable source: Research-Based insights into the mind-body connection and techniques to manage stress.

Keep reading or watch this Reel to know how singing soothes stress through the vagus nerve.

The Vagus Nerve and the Quest for Calm

Imagine this: you’re in a state of high alert, tangled up in the web of stress, anger, or fear. It’s like your nervous system has hit a turbulence zone. But hang on, before you jump into problem-solving or confrontations, there’s a vital first step – bringing your body back to your ‘zone of control’. This is your sweet spot where your toolbox of solutions is accessible and ready for action.

Humming and Singing: A Powerful Way to Reset

Now, let’s talk about a simple yet potent technique to reset your nervous system – humming or singing. The magic ingredient here is the vagus nerve, a vital communicator between your body and brain. By engaging in activities that tell your brain “all is well”, you can coax your system back into calmness. Think of it as a friendly conversation between your nerves.

My Go-To Song: Guns N’ Roses and the Calm Connection

So, what’s my secret melody for quelling stress? Believe it or not, it’s “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. Curious how a rock anthem plays into this? Well, my husband found it turned into a children’s book. Now, whenever stress hits the roof – especially during those epic toddler tantrums – I hum that tune. It’s my ticket to regaining control over my body’s orchestra of emotions.

Sing Your Stress Away: Why It Works

Humming or singing works wonders because it nudges your vagus nerve into action, sending signals of calm to your brain. It’s like whispering to your nervous system, “Hey, no need to panic. We’ve got this!” Plus, it’s a joyful reminder that in the grand symphony of life, you’re the conductor.

A Melodic Reminder of Empowerment

The beauty of humming or singing is that it’s not just about the notes; it’s about the transformation it triggers within you. As you hum, you’re gently reminding yourself that even in the midst of chaos, you hold the baton. You’re orchestrating your reactions, and you’re guiding your body back to a serene state.

The bottom line:

The next time stress knocks on your door, don’t just answer with a frown. Sing it away! Your vagus nerve is ready to groove to your rhythm of calmness. And hey, you don’t have to be the next music sensation; even a heartfelt humming can work wonders. Give it a shot and see how your body syncs up to the melody of tranquility. And remember, in the symphony of life, you’re the maestro!

Where to go from here:

1. Work with me 1:1: For leaders and parents feeling lost trying to grow and heal on their own, ready for a guide on their journey out of anxiety into the happiest, most Zen-Badass version of yourself from the boardroom to the family room.
   
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