Six Science-Backed Health Benefits of Singing

Music is a blessing for mankind. It is so simple yet so deep. We still don’t understand what it is about music that attracts and heals people, but it has been proven that music has healing powers. The most common, easiest, and most liked form of music is singing. Listening to music is soothing, but it’s very good to sing.

Anyone can sing and technology has created many learning opportunities. You can take online singing lessons and develop the skills of a professional singer. Even if you don’t want to become a professional in this field, you should still learn it for the health benefits it offers; as discussed in this article.

Relieves Stress

A research conducted in 2017 studied the impact of singing on cortisol, stress hormones, in the body of the singer. They found that the amount of cortisol was significantly lower after singing. This means that people were less stressed after they sang. If you are ever stressed, you should start singing. It will help you feel better and get those negative emotions out of you. Psychologists consider signing as a positive way to process emotions.

Boosts Immune System

A man is only as strong as his immune system. Our immune system is the self-defense of our body that fights against diseases. We take medicines to help this system fight the germs causing us problems. You can make your immune system stronger simply by singing. Although it sounds a little difficult to believe for any person without a medical background, it was actually proven by a study of scientists. Conducted in 2004 as a clinical trial, this study saw higher levels of immunoglobulin A in the body of singers.

Makes Lungs Healthier

Singing doesn’t cure any lung disease, but it makes them healthier. It has several pulmonary benefits and it increases oxygen in the lungs. The breathing techniques singers use helps people with conditions like asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and cystic fibrosis. The controlled use of muscles in the respiratory system improves breathing conditions.

Improves Mental Health

Anyone who sings can tell that singing helps them deal with mental problems. It has been proven to improve mental health by a study conducted in 2018 in the United Kingdom. They evaluated 20 people, including ones with conditions. They found that singing increased the sense of well-being, mood, and feeling of belonging.

Enhances Memory

If you want to improve your memory, start singing. This is at least true for people with dementia. There have been patients who found their long-lost memories through songs. A study showed that dementia patients were able to recall the lyrics of their favorite songs.

Increases Pain Threshold

Singing in a large group causes the body to release endorphins, a hormone that changes the perception of pain by promoting positive feelings. Although the feeling of the social connection in group singing also plays a role, this might not work without the singing part. However, anything related to music such as drumming and dancing can release the same hormones for pain tolerance.