Benefits of Humming

1. It soothes your system by activating the vagus nerve
The gentle vibration created in your throat when you hum stimulates the vagus nerve. This switches on the parasympathetic nervous system — your natural rest-and-digest mode — easing you away from the heightened state associated with stress and the fight-or-flight response.

2. It encourages the release of feel-good hormones
Humming isn’t just calming; it can genuinely lift your mood. The practice boosts endorphins, which work as natural pain relievers and help bring a sense of ease when you’re uncomfortable. It also supports the production of oxytocin, often called the bonding hormone, which deepens trust, affection, and social connection.

3. It supports better sleep and strengthens your immune system
Self-produced sound, including humming, stimulates the release of melatonin — the hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. Even during the day, this can guide you into a calmer state. Beyond sleep, melatonin has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping your body fight illness and stay resilient.

4. It helps regulate blood pressure and lowers stress hormones
Humming naturally increases nasal nitric oxide, which sterilises the air you breathe and improves oxygenation in the body. This can contribute to lower blood pressure, a steadier heart rate, and overall physical ease. As your body relaxes, cortisol and other stress hormones reduce as well.

5. It offers a wide range of additional wellbeing benefits
The effects extend much further: humming enhances lymphatic circulation, supports the creation of new neural pathways, increases blood platelet production, improves concentration, reduces anxiety, sparks creativity, and brings you into a more meditative state. It’s a remarkably simple practice with broad self-soothing and restorative effects.