• Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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    2 days ago

    This is not the first study I have seen linking Vagus nerve stimulation to a dramatic improvement in mental health. That said, the same results can be achieved through regular abdominal exercises. Crunches, sit-ups, etc, all stimulate the vagus nerve. If you activate your abs regularly, you should achieve the same results as this device.

    EDIT: Another link between abdominal work and brain function.

    https://www.psypost.org/scientists-discover-a-hydraulic-link-between-the-abdomen-and-the-brain/

    • TheRealKuni@piefed.social
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      2 days ago

      Singing is known to stimulate the vagus nerve, and also releases a bunch of endorphins and is tied to stress reduction and improved emotional state. I feel like we don’t sing enough in Western culture.

      If you tell me you can’t sing, I say cup your hand around your ear to help you hear yourself better and practice! Or just belt joyously out of tune in the shower!

      • Taleya@aussie.zone
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        2 days ago

        If you don’t think you can sing, stop giving a shit about what other people think about it.

      • tedd_deireadh@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        I struggle with depression and have always sang to make myself feel better! That’s fascinating that it’s related to the vagus nerve, I never knew.

        I am also terrible, but who cares! At least I’m no Yoko Ono.

      • yucandu@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        I feel like we don’t sing enough in Western culture.

        When you say “in Western culture”, do you mean “in my local microcosm of America that I assume is reflective of roughly half the geographical planet”?

        Cause fuck, man, take a trip to the Maritimes or something.

        • TheRealKuni@piefed.social
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          2 days ago

          Fair enough! I’m not an expert on all things cultural, that’s for sure! I just want people to sing more. :)

            • LavaPlanet@sh.itjust.works
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              2 days ago

              Oh yeah, nice! an Ausie favourite is “am I ever gonna see your face again…” don’t be offended by the response though, it’s meant in fondness and comradery. Go sing that in any pub, it would have a fantastic response.

    • Etterra@discuss.online
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      2 days ago

      Yeah exercise never helped with my depression, not in around 40 years of living with it.

          • IhaveCrabs111@lemmy.world
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            2 days ago

            I’m sorry but I don’t have anymore ideas. Hope you find some relief soon because depression is cruel way to go through life

            • Etterra@discuss.online
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              2 days ago

              Oh I’m as good as is possible. 7 medications, something for my DNA mutation, and therapy. I only think about death and not about dying when I go to sleep at night. It’s the best.

      • Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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        2 days ago

        Same, I’ve battled chronic depression since 1989 and exercise has had a nominal effect. That said, what the studies seem to suggest that a lot of core/ab work, as well as vagus muscle work, seem to help. So not just regular excercise.

    • LordKitsuna@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Prostate stimulation usually causes people to bear down with their abs from how good it feels. So clearly your pulling double duty on depression fixing with that.