Improved Digestion... By Singing?

You have probably heard somewhere along the way that your brain and gut are connected… but do you know HOW?
There is this thing called the “Vagus Nerve” that connects your brain to various organs throughout your body!

When the Vagus Nerve is stimulated, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over. This is commonly referred to as the “ rest and digest” response! When signaled, this allows your body to focus on digestion, the secretion of neurotransmitters in your brain, intestinal motility and decreasing heart rate.

When your sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight” response) is signaled, there is a decrease in activity from the Vagus Nerve. This can cause digestive issues including bloating, gas and constipation, as well as poor sleep quality, anxiety and stress. If the stress continues long-term, this leads to hormonal imbalances, decreased immunity, slow recovery from wounds and workouts, low motivation and depression/anxiety!

Worried that you are suffering from the sympathetic nervous system taking over? Suffering from poor digestion or recovery? DON’T STRESS (quite literally that’s exactly what we are trying to avoid).. Just like you can train your muscles, you can train your brain! There are many ways you can stimulate your Vagus Nerve! I have listed just a few below, but ultimately these are things that relax you and will release GABA and serotonin (beneficial neurotransmitters) in your brain!

My personal favorite is walking for pleasure!