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Can music actually stimulate the vagus nerve, or is that just another wellness trend?
Anxious/Overwhelmed
/core-emotion/anxious-overwhelmed
Music supports nervous system regulation, of which the vagus nerve is just one part.
Music doesn’t directly 'stimulate' the vagus nerve like a switch, but it can activate vagal pathways indirectly by supporting parasympathetic nervous system regulation.
Online discourse has turned the vagus nerve into a sort of magical USB cable for calm, which is ambitious! In reality, the vagus nerve is part of a broader system governing rest, digestion, and social safety. Music influences this system indirectly through breath regulation, emotional safety cues, and rhythmic predictability. Slow music encourages longer exhalations, which increases parasympathetic tone, one of the vagus nerve’s jobs.
Singing, humming, and listening to music with sustained tones can be particularly effective because they involve the voice, breath, and auditory pathways together. This doesn’t mean every playlist is 'doing vagus nerve work,' but certain musical qualities, slow tempo, warmth, continuity, create the conditions where vagal regulation is more likely to occur. Less biohack, more systems thinking
Try this little experiment
Pair slow music with extended exhales (e.g. breathing out for longer than you breathe in).
Add gentle humming (humming can lower stress and heart rate), make a bee sound, or vocalise some tones or sounds (ahh) alongside the music.
Tip! Focus on how safe or settled the music feels, not whether it’s labelled 'vagus nerve activating.'
Micro wellness practice
A super quick, 1 minute or less wellness practice for you to try right now. If the first one doesn't work for you, just try another! Give it a click! Have fun.
Micro Practice
Prep
Description
Why
Music To Try
This music has been carefully chosen in response to the question above. It's completely free, just click the play button.
Pure Vibrations (Sound Bath)
A deeply immersive sonic experience designed to envelop listeners in the pure, resonant tones of Tibetan and crystal singing bowls. The natural vibrations create a profound sense of stillness.
10 mins

Breathe
By tapping into networks using the breath, we gain access to a powerful tool for regulating our responses to stress and sleep.
15 mins

Affirmations
Take a moment to pause and explore the affirmations below. Each one is designed to meet you where you are, offering gentle presence rather than instruction. Read one at a time slowly, let it sink in as you listen to the music above, or simply notice which words catch your attention. There’s no right or wrong way to use them, allow them to support you in whatever way feels natural.
Intention
Affirmation
Products and services
The items listed below have been chosen with the intention to help reduce levels of anxiety and overwhelm. Some of these products contain links, which may earn me a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. I only share products I truly believe in, and feel aligned with our passion for care and wellness.
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Anxious/Overwhelmed

