Discover 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Singing

When I'm working with a speaking client, I almost always will do a vocal warm up at the start of session to stretch out the vocal cords, improve blood flow, reinforce good breathing and tune the instrument and ears. It’s incredible how these simple exercises can make you feel so good! It’s not a secret that singing reduces stress, improves your mood and makes you happier in your day. However, there are lots of physical, emotional, social and psychological benefits linked with singing that maybe you didn’t know about. Here are 10 of the best!

1. SINGING GIVES YOU FEELINGS OF EUPHORIA AND PLEASURE!

Singing releases endorphins and oxytocin. Endorphins are hormones that increase feelings of euphoria and pleasure. Oxytocin is also known as the “cuddle hormone” because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially. It is known to decrease stress and anxiety. Both of these hormones can make you feel better in general and even decrease any pain you might be feeling!

​2. SINGING IMPROVES COGNITION

Studies have shown that singers and musicians have higher cognitive processing. Those who learn or have learned an instrument have enhanced memory skills, higher attention spans and better communication skills than those who have not. It can even help to prevent the onset Alzheimer’s disease.

3. SINGING CAN LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Several studies have shown that due to the calming and relaxing effects of singing, it can lower your blood pressure.

4. SINGING STRENGTHENS YOUR MUSCLES

When you sing with good vocal technique, you engage your core, your back, your intercostal muscles and even your pelvic floor. Your facial muscles will also get a work out when you sing as you open your mouth in different ways to produce clear, resonant tones and enunciate.

5. SINGING DEVELOPS YOUR BREATH CAPACITY AND IMPROVES YOUR POSTURE

When you sing, your naturally sit or stand up straight to create a good sound. Singing also improves your breath capacity and can assist Asmtha suffers by slowing down the cycle of panic which worsens asthma symptoms and by helping to get more oxygen to the lungs.

6. SINGING CONNECTS ACROSS CULTURES

Singing and music crosses all boundaries and cultures. It can help you feel connected to all of humanity. Those who sing or play an instrument have a better connection to other people’s thoughts and feelings.

7. SINGING STRENGTHENS SOCIAL BONDS

Singing with a band or in a choir or any sort of group with other people can be fun and bonding. Even just attending a concert, gives you an opportunity to share an experience with a group of people. There are many studies that have shown that singing in a choir can decrease depression.

8. SINGING BUILDS CONFIDENCE

Stage fright is a common feeling for any singer or anyone for that matter. However, when you perform well and receive praise from your friends, family or colleagues, you can eventually overcome your fear and improve your self-confidence. With time you might even find it easier to present anything in front of a group with good presentation skills.

9. SINGING INCREASES YOUR ABILITY TO APPRECIATE OTHER SINGERS

Sometimes you don’t know how hard something is until you try it yourself. Once you start to sing, you will have a great appreciation for other singers and their talents. You may also start to listen to a wider variety of music as your own musical capabilities grow and you try new songs.

10. SINGING CAN HELP FIGHT DISEASE

Singing can boost your immune system as it decreases your stress and anxiety levels. It has also been proven to be helpful in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and can assist in improving memory function to prevent Alzheimer’s.