How Deep “Voo” Sounds Can Help Lift Depressive Feelings
A Gentle, Body-Based Tool for Reconnecting with Yourself
When depressive feelings begin to creep in, it can feel like the world has slowed to a crawl. Your thoughts may grow heavy or non-existent, your body weighed down, and motivation out of reach. In these moments, it’s tempting to push yourself harder, but often, what helps most is choosing one small, body-based action to gently shift from shutdown toward a state of connection and energy.
One surprisingly powerful tool for this is making deep “voo” sounds, a practice often used in Somatic Experiencing® to gently bring the body back into balance.
Why “Voo” Works: The Science Behind the Sound
It Stimulates the Vagus Nerve
The long, low vibration of a “voo” sound sends a signal through the vagus nerve, which plays a central role in regulating mood, digestion, and heart rate. By gently stimulating this nerve, you help your body shift out of shutdown mode and toward a state where engagement and connection feel more possible.It Encourages Full Breathing
Depression can lead to shallow breathing, which further decreases energy. Making a “voo” sound naturally lengthens your exhale, encourages deeper inhales, and increases oxygen flow, helping your body feel more awake and supported.It Brings Vibration to the Core
When you “voo,” you can feel the sound resonate in your chest, diaphragm, and belly. This internal massage can help soften tension, improve circulation, and bring awareness to parts of the body that might feel numb or disconnected.It Anchors You in the Present Moment
The sensation and sound of “voo” invite you into your body and the here-and-now. This can interrupt the pull of depressive rumination and create a pocket of presence in your day.It’s Accessible—Even When Energy Is Low
You don’t need equipment, a big time commitment, or a burst of motivation. “Voo” can be done sitting or lying down, in just a few minutes, wherever you are.
How to Try It
Sit in a comfortable position.
Take a slow, gentle inhale through your nose and into your lower belly.
As you exhale, make a deep, resonant “vooooooo” sound, like the foghorn of a ship, allowing the vibration to travel through your chest and belly.
Continue until you’ve exhaled all your air.
Pause, notice any sensations, and let your next breath come naturally.
Repeat 2–3 times.
You might notice small shifts, a bit more warmth, a touch of calm, or a faint spark of energy. Or you may sense something entirely different. Whatever arises, try to meet it without judgment, simply noticing with curiosity. Over time, these gentle moments of change can help build resilience against the weight of depression.
Trauma, Depression, and the Nervous System
From a nervous system perspective, both trauma and depression often involve what’s called a dorsal vagal state, a kind of biological “power-down” mode meant to conserve energy during times of overwhelm or hopelessness. While this is a survival response, staying in this state for too long can make it harder to connect, move, or feel joy.
For many people living with trauma, this state isn’t just a temporary shutdown; it can become a familiar way of being, shaped by the body’s memory of past overwhelm. The nervous system may default to “low power mode” as a way to stay safe, even when the present is no longer dangerous.
The “voo” sound offers a gentle way to nudge your system toward more engagement, without demanding a leap your body isn’t ready for.
Final Thought
While “voo” isn’t a cure for depressive feelings, it’s a small, grounding step you can use alongside other supports, like therapy, medication, movement, or connection, to tend to your mind and body.
If you find that depressive feelings keep returning or feel hard to manage, you don’t have to navigate them alone. In Depression Therapy or Trauma Therapy, we can explore body-based tools like this alongside deeper emotional work to help you reconnect with your energy, your clarity, and your sense of self. Contact me to Schedule a FREE Consultation.
