Singing Is Good For You

So what’s stopping you? Go on — just sing!

“Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now I feel good, I knew that I would, now So good, so good, I got you” (James Brown)

My wife and I have been feeling good lately. It’s quite strange, given all the shocking news recently and the terrible weather we’ve been having. But we definitely feel chirpy. I was wondering what to write this morning. Then it struck me! We were both at choir practice last night. So I Googled ‘singing makes you happy’ and found out why we feel ‘so good’.

I found this article from The British Academy of Sound Therapy. Singing is not only enjoyable, it boasts an impressive range of health benefits. Studies show that lifting your voice in song can be good medicine for both mind and body.

Stress Relief

One of the most well-documented advantages of singing is its ability to relieve stress. Singing helps the body relax by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A 2017 study found that people had significantly lower cortisol after singing, whether alone or in a group. Singing induces a sense of calmness that is more pronounced than just listening to music.

Boost Immune System

Singing also gives the immune system a boost. An experiment revealed that vocalising leads to higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody critical for fighting infections. The same immune response was not triggered by passively listening to music. Singing may be able to help ward off illnesses by priming our bodies’ natural defences.

Release Endorphins

The act of singing taps into the brain’s endorphin system, releasing these feel-good chemicals. Endorphins are known to elevate pain tolerance. The study found that group singing increased pain thresholds more than other group activities like dancing or drumming. The natural high induced by singing can change perceptions of pain.

Improve Breathing

Lung health also stands to benefit from regular singing. Singing utilises the abdominal and intercostal muscles involved in breathing. With consistent practice, these muscles grow stronger leading to increased lung capacity and efficiency. The research confirmed that participants in weekly singing groups had improved lung function compared to non-singers.

Positive Mental Health

Mood and mental health are perhaps the most obvious beneficiaries of singing. Multiple studies verify that singing diminishes symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who participate in choirs report higher satisfaction with life. Singing in unison forges social bonds and meets our need for belonging.

Enhances Sleep

Even sleep quality can be enhanced by singing. The studies found far fewer choir members suffered from snoring and sleep apnea compared to non-singers. Singing may strengthen throat and palate muscles while promoting healthy breathing patterns.

A few weeks ago, I published this article about my gospel choir and noted what benefits it had on me. My experience resonates with the research — I definitely feel happier!

Please don’t switch off from this idea just because you don’t rate yourself as a singer. I’m not advocating everyone should run off and find a local gospel choir. But don’t you think we could all release some inhibitions and sing when going about our daily lives? Release your inhibitions — just think about enjoying yourself!

Sing in the bath

A perfect place to start. it’s your own, private space, so think of something upbeat and let rip!

Housework

Don’t like the sound of your own voice? Yet! Well, let the vacuum cleaner drown you out while you belt out a ballad.

Gardening

What’s the harm in having a wee hum to your favourite ditty? So long as you don’t belt it out like Adele, you shouldn’t disturb the neighbours. After a few weeks, they may even come to like it.

Cooking

This is one of my favourites. Midweek, I’m usually the one who cooks as I finish work first. I find nothing better than asking ‘Alexa’ to play a few old classics for me to sing along to.

Driving

I might end up writing a separate article on this one. Have you ever found yourself driving along, singing happily away to the radio, only to stop when you get into a traffic queue? You look at the other drivers and worry they might see you singing alone in the car. Why stop? Do you know these people? Why not carry on enjoying yourself?

In conclusion, it has been proven by research that singing is good for you, both physically and mentally. By all means, join a local choir, but it’s not necessary. There are ample opportunities in our daily lives, to find the crooner within you. Release your inner soul!