Everybody likes to sing, even if we cannot carry a tune. That's why we sing in the shower. So is singing good for you? Does it have health benefits?
I was surprised to find on the Internet that besides improving our mood, singing actually benefits our mental and physical health.
Relieves stress – Singing appears to be a stress reliever. In a 2017 study, researchers measured the amount of cortisol in a participant's saliva before and after they sang. The researchers found out that the amount of cortisol was lower after singing
Stimulates the immune response – It helps you fight off illnesses. In a 2004 study, research subjects either sang or listened to music. Those who sang had higher levels of immunoglobin A than those who listened only. Listening to music reduced stress hormones but did not stimulate the body's immune system
Increases the pain threshold – A 2012 study found that singing, drumming, and dancing in a group trigger the release of hormones that raise your pain tolerance in ways that just listening to music does not. Researchers note that the feelings of social connection rather than the music itself seems to be behind the boost in pain tolerance
Improves lung function – Singing involves deep breathing and the controlled use of muscles in the respiratory system; it may be beneficial for certain lung and breathing conditions. Studies have shown that the breathing techniques used with singing may offer benefits for people with the following conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, or cancer. While singing does not treat or cure such conditions, patients may benefit from joining strength in the respiratory muscles
Develops a sense of belonging and connection – When you sing together with others, you are likely to feel the same kind of camaraderie and bonding that players on sports teams experience. In one 2014 study involving 11,258 schoolchildren, researchers found that children in a singing and musical engagement program developed a strong sense of community and social inclusion. In a 2016 study involving 375 adult participants, researchers found that people who sang together in a group reported a higher sense of wellbeing and meaningful connection than people who sang solo
Helps with grief – It may help you in dealing with the emotional pain after you lost someone you love. In a 2019 study conducted among people dealing with grief, depression symptoms did not get worse with time and their sense of well-being remained stable. The choir singers felt a gradual improvement in their self-esteem during and after the 12-week study. Those who did not participate the singing intervention did not report this benefit.
These are just some of the health benefits of singing, so go on, sing as loud as you can in the shower! And with gusto! It is good for you!
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