Hummmmm….

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited

Case #1 – We were playing Pictionary, a game where you are not allowed to talk- only draw, it was guys against girls, and the word our teams were racing to get was ‘neighborhood’.   A ‘drawer’ from each team began to draw a neighborhood scene and while I was drawing, I started whistling the theme from Sesame Street (These Are the People in Your Neighborhood ). Almost immediately my team of smart ladies cued in and shouted ‘neighborhood’ in unison.  We won! Was that cheating? I think not.
Case #2 –  A patient starts singing the very song I had in my head and I said, “Wow, what a coincidence; I have the same song in my head!” and he said, “I know, you’ve been humming it for the last half!” #Oops  
Case #3 – “You sound happy!”  I would hear those words often when I was nursing. Sometimes I was happy and sometimes not especially so, but the reason that people thought that was because I was whistling or humming.  
Mostly I did it rather subconsciously at the time but I noticed the time the third person would say, a version of, “You must be happy!” I actually would feel happy!  
The odd time I hummed or whistled purposefully just to annoy the cranky people I was working with. While this didn’t happen often, I found nothing makes miserable people more miserable than when you seem persistently happy (apparently, I have a little nasty side). ‍  
Turns out there is research behind what transpired and, in fact, there are stress-relieving powers as a hidden bonus. There is a yogic humming breath technique called Bhramari Pranayama, but if you don’t want to get all fancy-schmancy, any regular humming (or whistling) will do. 
Here are just some of the benefits of humming/whistling:
1. Stress Relief

Humming or whistling can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety. The steady, rhythmic sound can have a calming effect on the mind.

2. Improved Breathing

Both activities encourage deeper, controlled breathing, which increases oxygen intake, improving lung capacity and overall respiratory health. ‍

3. Enhanced Focus and Mindfulness

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Engaging in humming or whistling can sharpen concentration. The repetitive nature of the sound helps clear the mind, promoting mindfulness and present-moment awareness.

4. Mood Booster

Humming or whistling can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. This can make you feel happier and more positive.

5. Creative Expression

Whistling or humming can serve as a creative outlet. It allows for spontaneous musical expression, even for those who don’t play instruments or sing.

6. Social Connection

Whistling or humming familiar tunes can evoke shared memories, potentially enhancing social bonds and creating moments of connection with others. ‍

7. Pain Relief

Some studies suggest that humming can help reduce the perception of pain by focusing the mind on something rhythmic and repetitive, thereby distracting it from discomfort.

Incorporating humming or whistling into your daily routine can contribute to overall wellness, offering both mental clarity and physical benefits.
Now…your life, your version, your plan…
When you feel like you:

could use a little stress relief

need a creative outlet

want to shift your mood

want a distraction from pain or discomfort (mental or physical)

want to annoy someone

want more focus

want to win at Pictionary

can use it to connect with someone

want to fill an awkward silence

consider humming or whistling a few bars and see what happens! It’s yet one more way to live Your Life, Unlimited!  Steph
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Sooo happy to be booking both virtual and in-person events for 2025 – maybe yours will be next! Who do you know who could use a little revitalization? Here’s a peek at what I bring to the table, er, stage! https://youtu.be/ABBZ1e9qMmU     

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited