HEALTH BENEFITS OF SINGING

Introduction

According to dictionary, song is the act of singing. Listening to music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our mind and body. It has a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, by slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the levels of stress hormones.

Health benefits of singing

× Reduces stress and improve mood

× Lower blood pressure

× Boost the immune system

× Improves breathing

× Reduce perceived pains

× Improve a sense of rhythm

× Promote learning in children

× Forge comforting memories

× Motivate and empower

× Promote communal bonding

Mental and emotional benefits of singing

× Singing is a natural anti-depressant: Singing is known to release endorphin (the feel-good brain chemical) that makes you feel uplifted and happy. In addition, scientists have identified a tiny organ in the ear called the sacculus, which responds to the frequencies created by singing. The response creates an immediate sense of pleasure, regardless of what the singing sounds like. Not only that, but singing can simply take your mind off the day's troubles to boost your mood.

× Singing lowers stress levels: Making music in any form is relaxing. Singing releases stored muscle tension and decreases the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol in your blood stream.

× Singing improves mental alertness: Singing improve blood circulation and oxygenated blood stream that allow more oxygen to reach the brain. This improves mental alertness, concentration, and memory. The Alzheimer's Society has even established a “Singing for the Brain” service to help people with dementia and Alzheimer's maintain their memories.

Physical benefits of singing

× Singing strengthens the immune system: According to research conducted at the University of Frankfurt, singing boosts the immune system. The researchers noticed that in most cases, the amount of proteins in the immune system that function as antibodies, known as Immunoglobulin A, were significantly higher immediately after the rehearsal. The same increases were not observed after the choir members passively listened to music.

× Singing is a workout: For the elderly, disabled, and injured, singing can be an excellent form of exercise. Even if you're healthy, your lungs will get a workout as you employ proper singing techniques and vocal projections. Other related health benefits of singing include a stronger diaphragm and stimulated overall circulation.

× Singing helps with sleep: According to a health article in Daily Mail Online, experts believe singing can help strengthen throat and palate muscles, which helps stop snoring and sleep apnoea. If you're familiar with these ailments, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night sleep.

Social benefits of singing

× Singing can widen your circle of friends: One of the unexpected health benefits of singing is that it can improve your social life. The bonds you form singing with others can be profound, since there's a level of intimacy naturally involved.

× Singing boosts your confidence: Performing well and receiving praise from your friends and family may be the key to eventually overcoming your fears and boosting yourself-confidence. With time, you may even find it easier to present any type of material in front of a group with poise and good presentation skills.

× Singing broadens communication skills: According to an article in The Guardian, singing to babies helps prepare their brains for language. Music is just as important as teaching reading and writing at a young age to prevent language problems later in life. If you enjoy writing your own lyrics, honing this talent can improve your ability to communicate in different ways.

× Singing increases your ability to appreciate accomplished singers: Sometimes, you don't realize how difficult something is until you try it yourself. The delights of singing go beyond merely enjoying the beauty of your own vocal talent. All of these health benefits of singing may make you want to join a choir or start taking voice lessons right away.

Ways to treat or cure worry with a song

× Listening to music each day can help relieve worry and improve overall health

× Listen to music you find enjoyable

Use technology (iPod, tablet computer, phones, etc.) 

× Find local live music performances

× Write a song

× Analyze favourite lyrics

Recommendations

× Relaxing in a cool quiet atmosphere and listening to cool songs can helps to reduce worry and anxiety

× Listening to songs that will help to boost our mood and reduce worry, depression or anxiety always

× Cultivate the habit of singing

× Join a singing group

× Using song as a work out exercise