Hum Your Stress Away: The Surprising Benefits of Humming-Especially During This "Trump" Related Bullsh*t
The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter #301
The Power of Humming: A Natural Remedy for Anxiety, Sinus Health, and More
In today's fast-paced and often stressful world…many people are searching for ways to alleviate anxiety and improve their overall health. For others, they might be looking for a way to keep from telling their co-worker, neighbor…or MAGA in general to “FUCK OFF!”
What follows will help tremendously with those feelings as well.
Among the most accessible and underappreciated techniques for boosting wellness is the simple act of humming.
Often overlooked, this seemingly small action can provide an array of benefits…ranging from reducing anxiety to improving sinus health and even boosting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body.
In this issue of the Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter, we will explore the many powerful health benefits of humming and how this simple…yet effective practice can enhance well-being, especially during challenging times.
Humming as a Stress-Relief Tool
One of the most well-known benefits of humming is its ability to reduce anxiety. Yep…you read that correctly; the soothing vibrations created when you hum can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's relaxation response.
This activation counters the effects of the sympathetic nervous system…responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response…helping to bring the body into a state of calm.
The act of humming also has a calming effect on the brain.
My wife just rolls her eyes when I say, “I’ll be back in my office, giving myself a hummer.”
We both get a chuckle. However, more times than not, it also serves as a reminder for her because when I come out of my office, I often catch her humming while she’s doing homework. She knows it truly helps her let go…and feel better.
Studies have shown that auditory stimulation…such as the sound of your own voice…can promote relaxation.
When you hum, your body and mind sync up in a way that helps to reduce stress levels…making it an effective technique for those dealing with daily tension and anxiety.
Additionally…humming has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of tension, likely due to the endorphins released during the act.
Humming and Nitric Oxide: A Natural Booster
Beyond its calming effects…humming has been linked to increased production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, including enhancing blood circulation…regulating blood pressure…and boosting immune function.
Humming is one of the simplest and most effective ways to naturally increase the production of this important molecule.
When you hum, especially at a lower pitch…the vibrations in your sinuses stimulate the production of nitric oxide. The nitric oxide then enters the bloodstream…where it helps to dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.
This enhanced blood flow is essential for overall cardiovascular health, and it can also contribute to improved oxygen delivery throughout the body…which is especially beneficial for athletes or individuals with respiratory issues.
In fact, studies have shown that nitric oxide produced by humming can help improve the function of the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels), reduce arterial stiffness, and lower blood pressure.
These cardiovascular benefits make humming an incredibly valuable practice for maintaining heart health….especially in a time when stress and sedentary lifestyles can negatively impact cardiovascular function.
Humming and Sinus Health: A Natural Remedy for Sinus Infections
Another often overlooked benefit of humming is its positive effect on sinus health. Humming helps to clear the sinuses by promoting the natural drainage of mucus… which can help to reduce the likelihood of sinus infections.
The vibrations caused by humming stimulate the sinuses and promote better circulation in the nasal passages. This helps to loosen and expel trapped mucus, preventing the buildup of bacteria that can lead to infections.
In addition to improving sinus drainage, the increased production of nitric oxide through humming has an antimicrobial effect.
Nitric oxide has been shown to possess antiviral and antibacterial properties, which help to fight off pathogens in the sinuses and respiratory system. This makes humming a natural….low-cost alternative for reducing the frequency and severity of sinus infections.
For individuals who suffer from chronic sinus issues…incorporating humming into their daily routine can be a powerful tool for promoting sinus health. A few minutes of humming each day can help keep the nasal passages clear and reduce the buildup of mucus that can lead to infections.
Humming as a Mindfulness Practice
In addition to its physical benefits…humming can serve as a mindfulness practice that promotes mental clarity and emotional stability. By focusing on the sound and vibration of your own voice….you become more present in the moment…which can help to quiet the mind and reduce negative thoughts.
This mindfulness aspect of humming is particularly beneficial in a world where constant distractions and pressures can make it difficult to stay grounded.
The act of humming can also help to regulate breathing. By taking slow, deep breaths while humming, you engage in a form of controlled breathing that can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Controlled breathing techniques….such as those used in meditation and yoga…have been shown to reduce anxiety…lower heart rates…and improve emotional resilience.
Humming in Challenging Times
In these challenging times, when stress levels are high and people are searching for ways to maintain their health and well-being…humming offers a simple yet effective solution.
The benefits of humming extend far beyond anxiety relief, impacting various aspects of physical and mental health.
From improving circulation and boosting nitric oxide to promoting sinus health and offering a calming, mindful practice, humming can help us navigate the stresses of modern life with greater ease and resilience.
How to Incorporate Humming into Your Daily Routine
If you're interested in experiencing the benefits of humming for yourself, the good news is that it's easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Here are a few simple tips:
Start Your Day with Humming:
Spend a few minutes in the morning humming at a low pitch. Focus on the vibrations in your chest and face, and take slow, deep breaths.
Practice While Relaxing:
Humming can be especially effective when you're winding down after a long day. Try humming while lying down or sitting in a comfortable chair.
Combine with Breathing Exercises:
For even greater relaxation….try humming while practicing controlled breathing techniques. Inhale slowly through your nose…hold for a moment…and then hum as you exhale.
Use Humming for Sinus Relief:
If you suffer from sinus congestion…try humming for a few minutes several times a day. The vibrations can help clear mucus and promote sinus drainage.
In a world where stress, anxiety, and health issues are increasingly common, the simple act of humming offers a surprising array of benefits.
From reducing anxiety and boosting nitric oxide to improving sinus health, humming is a powerful, natural remedy that can significantly enhance overall well-being.
So the next time you're feeling stressed or under the weather…take a deep breath…hum a tune…and allow the vibrations to work their magic on both your body and mind.
Look, I’d do something I rarely do; I’m saying, if you hum a few minutes 2-3 times a day, for 5-7 days…you will feel better. Your mind will be noticeably clearer, and your anxiousness will be reduced. I assure you.
Humming is one of the greatest secrets for reducing anxiety and improving your health and well-being, and that…is no sh*t!
If you’re not yet a paid subscriber and have been thinking about it, there’s never been a better time. Less than five days ago, I started a brand new paid subscriber program, that has all kinds of perks.
I do a LIVE Q&A each week, here on Substack.
Once a month, I draw a name for a one-on-one session with me called “Coffee with Jack.” I’ll record it and send you the file so you can review it as many times as you want.
Each week, I post a “What I’m Hearing from Behind the Scenes” article.
Every week I’ll be posting a new “Grounding Meditation” audio or video. (The feedback from the one I did this week was “I love it! Give me MORE!!”
And…I have even more surprises coming soon! Even though Jack Hopkins Now is far more than just a newsletter about health…or politics, I just learned last week that the Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter is ranked #22 in the Top 100 in the Health Politics category.
Given that, there really isn’t a category that accurately fits Jack Hopkins Now and the many things I write about…I’ll take #22 in the Top 100 every day and twice on Sundays.
Look, it was YOU who pushed Jack Hopkins Now to #22. I’m very clear about that. You should be as well. Thank you. Truly.
Let’s push it even higher. There are over 20,0000 writers on Substack. Twenty-Thousand. Let’s push Jack Hopkins Now to #10, and then we’ll plot the next climb up the ladder. The higher it gets, the more people it can help….and inform. It’s that simple.
Okay…that’s it for now. I appreciate…YOU.
Best,
Jack
So, I just hummed the entire “Darth Vader” music of Star Wars. My sinuses are clearer, my mind is calmer. I will admit I got a bit loud and had to apologize to my neighbor.
Humming is a wonderful tool for calming...why do I always forget to do it?
First did it in a yoga class years ago.