Health Benefits of Singing

Singing is not only a fun and rewarding activity, but also a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Whether you sing in the shower, in a choir, or just for yourself, you can enjoy the many benefits of singing that science has proven. Here are some of the main health benefits of learning to sing:

Singing relieves stress

Singing can help you cope with stress and anxiety by lowering your levels of cortisol, the hormone that causes stress. A 2017 study found that singing reduced cortisol levels whether the participants sang alone or in a group¹. Singing can also make you feel more relaxed and happy by releasing endorphins, the brain chemicals that create positive feelings². However, singing can only reduce stress if you sing in a place that doesn’t make you nervous. A 2015 study found that singing in front of an audience increased cortisol levels¹.

Singing boosts your immune system

Singing can also help you fight off infections and illnesses by stimulating your immune system. A 2004 study found that singing increased the levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that protects you from pathogens, in the blood of professional choir members¹. Singing also improved their immune system more than just listening to music. Singing may also help prevent colds and flu by improving your nasal and respiratory health.

Singing increases your pain threshold

Singing can also help you deal with pain by raising your pain tolerance. A 2012 study found that singing, drumming, and dancing in a group triggered the release of endorphins and oxytocin, hormones that increase your pain threshold and social bonding¹. These hormones can also reduce inflammation and promote healing. Singing may be especially helpful for people with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Singing improves your breathing and posture

Singing can also improve your physical fitness by strengthening your respiratory muscles and increasing your lung capacity. Singing requires you to breathe deeply and control your exhalation, which can improve your oxygen intake and blood circulation². Singing can also improve your posture by making you stand up straight and align your shoulders and back². This can prevent back pain and improve your spinal health.

Singing helps with sleep and snoring

Singing can also improve your sleep quality by reducing snoring and sleep apnea. Snoring and sleep apnea are caused by weak or collapsed throat muscles that obstruct your airway during sleep. Singing can strengthen these muscles and keep them toned, which can prevent them from collapsing or vibrating². A 2008 study found that choir members snored less than non-singers according to their spouses¹. Singing may also help you fall asleep faster by relaxing your mind and body.

Singing enhances your mental alertness and memory

Singing can also boost your brain power by improving your mental alertness, concentration, and memory. Singing stimulates your brain by increasing the flow of oxygen and blood to it. Singing also activates various parts of the brain that are involved in language, emotion, attention, and body awareness⁴. Singing may also help prevent cognitive decline and dementia by keeping your brain active and young. A 2013 study found that singing improved the memory and mood of people with Alzheimer’s disease³.

Singing boosts your confidence and social skills

Singing can also improve your mental and emotional well-being by enhancing your confidence and social skills. Singing can help you express yourself, overcome shyness, and cope with emotions². Singing can also help you connect with others who share your passion for music. Singing in a group can foster a sense of belonging, support, and friendship¹. Singing may also help you learn new skills, languages, and cultures.

As you can see, singing has many benefits for your health and happiness. Learning to sing can be a rewarding journey that enriches your life in many ways. So why not give it a try? You don’t need to be a professional singer or have a perfect voice to enjoy singing. All you need is a willingness to learn, practice, and have fun!

(1) Benefits of Singing: 10 Ways Singing Boosts Your Health. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-singing.

(2) 11 Surprising Health Benefits of Singing – TakeLessons. https://takelessons.com/live/singing/health-benefits-of-singing.

(3) How Singing Affects Your Brain (6 Reasons to Sing) – Spinditty. https://spinditty.com/learning/What-Singing-Does-To-Your-Brain.

(4) 13 Benefits Of Singing For A Healthier, Happier Life. https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/benefits-of-singing/.

(5) The world’s most accessible stress reliever – BBC Future. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200518-why-singing-can-make-you-feel-better-in-lockdown.