I love singing! Clearly, I’ve made it my job. But before I got on stage or behind my piano to help others, singing was my hobby. I used it not only as a way to decompress, but as a tool to work through emotions, or as a way of bonding with my friends. Belting out songs is a great way to be very happy or very sad.
But I’ve also seen people come back to life. During a musical tour in retirement homes where we performed old songs from the 1930s-1950s, people who had just been sitting there before looked alive again. It can be pure joy from a memory, or anything else, but music can bring people back to life. If only for the duration of a song.
And not just this! My students with long covid and asthma notice differences in their breathing since they started singing, students use singing as a way of becoming more brave - it’s clearly not a one trick pony.
And luckily it’s not just me who noticed. Let’s dive in to wonderful world of singing!
1. Singing and Stress Reduction
One of the main benefits of singing is its impact on stress. Research has shown that singing helps to lower the concentration of stress hormones. For example, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced during singing. There is even a German study that found results indicating that the concentration of immunoglobulin A, a substance that supports your immune system, is increased. This helps to protect your body against illnesses and strengthens your overall health. Singing can effectively serve as a natural stress reliever.
In addition, another important hormone is released during singing: oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone." This hormone is responsible for feelings of connection and happiness, and it is produced when we form social bonds, for example, while singing in a choir or with friends. Singing a shared song can completely change the atmosphere, and that feeling of togetherness is not only pleasant but also good for your mental health.
2. Singing Improves Your Breathing and Lung Health
Singing has a profound impact on breathing. It requires you to make use of your full lung capacity and to breathe deeply and in a controlled manner, which helps improve your breathing technique. Strengthening the respiratory muscles is not only beneficial for your singing abilities, but also contributes to better overall breathing.
Do note - if you don't have trouble breathing after doing small chores or walking up a few steps of stairs, your breathing is most likely just fine.
Scientifically, it has been shown that the controlled breathing used during singing can help lower your heart rate. This is particularly evident in choir singers: when they sing together, their hearts beat in synchrony, which enhances the effect of calm breathing and contributes to a slowing of the heart rate. This provides relaxation and helps reduce stress levels.
Singing can also be beneficial for people with respiratory issues such as asthma, as regularly practicing breathing techniques increases lung capacity and strengthens the respiratory system.
Always contact your physician first if you experience any trouble breathing. Vocal coaches can help spot a problem, but do not replace a doctor.
3. Singing Enhances Memory and Cognition
In addition to the physical benefits for breathing, singing also has positive effects on the brain. Singing can help improve your memory and concentration, as it requires you to memorize both the lyrics and the melody. This makes singing an excellent exercise for enhancing cognitive functions.
People who sing regularly often have a better memory and can concentrate more easily, as singing is a complex process that activates both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Moreover, singing helps in developing language skills, since most song lyrics are written in poetic form, which promotes language proficiency.
4. Singing Strengthens Social Connection
Another remarkable benefit of singing is the social component. Singing in a group, such as in a choir, not only provides enjoyment but also helps in building social relationships. The collective aspect of singing enhances the sense of community and mutual support. This can even have therapeutic effects, as shown by research from neuropsychologist Erik Scherder.
Scherder has shown that singing in a group promotes the release of oxytocin, which creates a sense of connection. This can be particularly beneficial for people who feel lonely or experience difficulties with social interaction. Singing with others can not only give you a sense of joy but also enhance your mental health by building social support and trust.
As Scherder says: “Oxytocin gives you that feeling of ‘togetherness’.
5. Singing as a Creative Outlet
Singing also provides a valuable creative outlet. It allows people to express emotions and experience themselves in a different way. Music is a powerful means of processing feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. By singing, people can express their inner emotions in a way that can be healing.
Certainly for people who struggle with expressing their feelings, singing can be a way to break through emotional barriers. It provides the space to discover yourself and to process stressful situations, which contributes to both mental and emotional health.
Musical theater can really help in this department as you can sink your teeth into a charachter. But even without the added benefit of acting it out - all the loud belts make sense in musical theater. It doesn't always in pop music, which can make it hard to sing freely for people who feel like they're too much. Or for others who think they're too loud. The emotions the charachters is going through and the composer had carefully written down can be that first step towards being bigger. And with that, becoming more confident.
6. Singing and Happiness
In addition to the many health benefits, singing also has a positive effect on your mood. It has been proven that singing releases endorphins – the body's "happiness hormones." This makes you feel better, which can contribute to an overall sense of happiness and well-being. When you sing, you simply don't have time to worry or fret, making it a great way to improve your mood.
If you have trouble feeling this in class, you are not alone! Worrying about if what you're doing is ok and sounds good is a very common thing. The happy feelings start when you sing a song that's a bit loud. So don't worry if it's not there in class. Put your favorite song on in the car on your way home, turn up the volume and sing along!
Singing is much more than just an enjoyable activity – it has impressive benefits for your health. From strengthening your breathing and improving your posture to reducing stress and promoting social connection, singing is a simple and powerful way to enhance both your physical and mental well-being. Whether you sing professionally, are part of a choir, or just sing along to your favourite music in your free time, the benefits of singing are numerous and undeniable.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your microphone, sing your favourite song, and enjoy the health benefits that come with every note you sing!
Sources: gezondheidsnet flowmagazine nu.nl
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