The Magic of Humming

The most accessible way to calm down, always available, with immediate results. We have all seen dogs shake it off several times a day, but we do not always notice why.

The reason is that it regulates their nervous system. Humming is just as accessible to humans as shaking it off is to dogs.

It is a simple, ready-to-use way to settle your body and mind, calm racing thoughts, and create space for your Self to notice and care for your inner parts.

Try it!

Humming is naturally regulating for a few reasons:

1. Vagus nerve stimulation

• The vibrations from humming gently stimulate the vagus nerve, which is a key pathway for the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”).

• This slows heart rate, eases breathing, and calms the nervous system.

2. Breath regulation

• Humming lengthens the exhale slightly, which naturally slows and regulates breathing.

• Slow, controlled exhalation is a classic way to reduce stress and increase presence.

3. Cognitive shift

• Humming engages your voice, breath, and attention simultaneously.

• It can interrupt spiraling thoughts because your brain is coordinating multiple systems at once. Breathing, vocalization, sensory feedback all aid to temporarily reduce rumination.

4. Sensory grounding

• You feel the vibration in your chest, throat, or even head.

• That sensory feedback helps anchor your attention in the body, not in racing thoughts.

When you hum, your mind often can’t chase every thought at once. It creates a natural, gentle pause that your nervous system interprets as safety and grounding.

For ADHDers, this can be especially useful because it gives both sensory input and nervous system regulation at the same time.

A double anchor.

How will you remember to hum?

Practice it while you are doing other things. Even for a few seconds. Maybe as you brush your teeth, put on your shoes, turn off the lights before bed. Practicing will make it more available when you need it.

Let me know how it goes.