Anyone who loves to sing will probably tell you how good it makes them feel. It’s no secret that singing reduces stress, improves your mood, and generally brings more fun into your day. But there are many different physical, emotional, social, and psychological benefits associated with singing that you may not realize.
1. Singing releases endorphions and oxytocin.
Endorphins are hormones that increase feelings of euphoria and pleasure. Oxytocin is also known as the “cuddle hormone” because it is released when people snuggle up. It is known to decrease stress and anxiety. Both of these hormones can make you feel better in general and decrease any pain you might be feeling.
2. Singing improves cognition.
Several studies have concluded that singers and musicians typically have higher IQs than non-musicians. Singing can improve your overall brain function and help you think a little clearer.
3. Singing leads to a longer life.
A joint Yale and Harvard study showed that for some people living in New Haven, Connecticut, choral singing promoted healthy minds and hearts, which increased life expectancy.
4. Singing lowers your blood pressure.
There have been several case studies that have revealed that singing can decrease blood pressure due to it’s calming and relaxing effect. Patients have been able to calm themselves down and lower blood pressure readings when in the hospital by singing hymns.
5. Singing tones up your facial muscles, your diaphragm, and your intercostal muscles.
The proper technique of singing from the diaphragm can strengthen your abdomen and back muscles. You also exercise your facial muscles in unique ways when you sing, which can make your face look more energetic and lively. Your intercostal muscles–the groups of muscles running between the ribs that help form and move the chest wall–will receive quite the workout as well as you sing.
6. Singing increases empathy and understanding between cultures.
Music can help us to feel connected to all of humanity, even across cultural divides. Singing songs that originated from other cultures can give us a new appreciation for those cultures and help us empathize with others.
7. Singing develops the lungs and gives you better posture.
When you sing, you naturally sit or stand up straighter to get a better sound. Singing also improves your lung capacity and helps you to breathe a little easier.
8. Singing brings people together and creates a sense of community.
Singing in a choir or singing in any sort of group environment with other people can be a fun, bonding activity. It gives you an opportunity to share an experience with a group of people. There have been several studies that have shown singing in a choir decreased depression in many adults.
9. Singing can help patients of Parkinson’s disease.
There have been numerous studies that have shown how singing can increase the health of patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. For these patients, singing can improve vocal and swallowing control in these patients. There are even some studies that suggest music can help patients to regain their balance.
10. Singing improves your memory.
Even if you can’t always remember all of the lyrics to your favorite songs, there is no question that singing requires you to use your memory in ways that you don’t normally. This is one excellent way to keep your brain functioning well as you age.
11. Singing can boost your immunity.
Because singing can lower your blood pressure, cause you to have lower cortisol levels, and decrease your stress and anxiety, it will certainly have a positive effect on your immune system.
So now you have several reasons to go join that choir you’ve always wanted to join or to just start singing in the car or in the shower. Improve your health and happiness with this incredibly fun activity.
Featured photo credit: Bernd Everding via pixabay.com
