The Surprising Health Benefits Of Singing

When it comes to staying healthy, you know what to do: eat right, exercise, maintain active social relationships, and get enough sleep. But did you know that something as simple as singing could have a series of surprising health benefits that can help keep you healthy as you age? Recent studies have proven that singing, once just an enjoyable pastime, has a variety of health benefits, from lowering stress levels to reducing muscle tension. As such, it looks like securing a happy and healthy future might be as simple as singing a tune.

5 Ways Singing Works To Improve Health

If it seems like singing is too simple of a thing to have any impact on your health, you’re not alone. Many people have been skeptical of these findings. That non-withstanding though, multiple sources have proven that singing is an effective way to relax and stay healthy. To name a few benefits, singing lowers your stress levels, releases built-up muscle tension, decreases your body’s levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and even offers a gentle form of exercise by massaging and stretching the ribs, lung, diaphragm, and chest. Here are a few more benefits of this belting out your favorite tune:

1. Singing Boost Your Immune System

Recently, the University of Frankfurt released a study proving that singing helps increase the immune system’s functionality. The study looked at the blood of professional choir members before and after a singing rehearsal. The researchers noted that the concentration of antibodies in the blood was significantly higher in singers when they were tested after the rehearsal, as compared to before the rehearsal. For what it’s worth, the same benefit was not present in choir members who only listened to the music, and did not sing.

2. Singing Is A Form Of Exercise

Exercise is one of the most essential things you can do to stay healthy and happy as you age, and it turns out that singing as a workout in its own way. While it’s not as vigorous as running, biking, hiking, or yoga, singing is a fantastic way to support overall health and wellbeing. When you sing, your lungs expand and contract. This also has the benefit of exercising your diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and facial muscles. As such, singing can be a welcome form of exercise for disabled, injured, or older adults, who have a hard time getting out for other types of exercise. Some scientists even believe that singing can help boost stamina and promote aerobic wellness. As if that weren’t enough, singing can also contribute to improving posture and discourage bad habits, like slouching or shallow breathing. You don’t have to become an opera star to enjoy the health benefits singing has to offer. Even a few minutes of singing each day can massage your internal organs and help keep your heart, lungs, chest, and vocal chords strong and healthy.

3. Singing Can Help Stop Snoring

One of the most surprising things that singing can do is strengthen your palate and throat muscles. Over time, having stronger muscles in these regions helps prevent sleep problems like sleep apnea and snoring, which can lead to a better, more restful night’s sleep and a brighter outlook on life.

4. Singing Works Like An Antidepressant

If you’re feeling a little blue, try singing a tune! Singing helps release endorphins, which can boost your mood and make you feel happier. What’s more, many individuals report that singing makes them feel pleasure and that that helps squash bad feelings and make life more lighthearted and enjoyable. What’s more, the brain processes singing much like it does solving a puzzle or learning something new. By creating new pathways and keeping existing connections healthy and vibrant, singing enhances your levels of mental alertness, lowers stress levels, and protects the brain from dementia, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive decline.

5. Singing Promotes Confidence

There’s no doubt that singing in front of other people for the first time can feel like a leap of faith. When you do it successfully, though, it boosts your confidence in yourself and your ability to perform. As such, singing in public and receiving praise from the people around you can help you overcome your fears and increase your self-confidence, which, in turn, can boost your happiness and improve your outlook on life. Since signing is also a highly social activity, participating in a choir, caroling group, or play can help you meet new people, enhance your communication skills, and develop an appreciation for the arts – all of which are positive changes that can help you stay active and involved, and lead your happiest life yet.

Singing For Better Health

While there are dozens of ways to stay healthy and happy as you age, singing is by far one of the easiest and most accessible. Ideal for disabled or injured seniors and healthy seniors alike, singing is one pursuit to that crosses boundaries and appeals to virtually anyone. What’s more, it’s not difficult to learn. If you have no background in singing, you can find group classes at your local cultural center, music studio, or even online. A quick Google search should reveal plenty of options for learning to sing in your area. You can also talk to friends or family members who are involved in theater or on-stage productions, and ask them if they know how you can get involved and learn to sing! If you don’t feel like taking a class, singing to yourself in your house or the car is an excellent way to reap the benefits of the simple activity. At the end of the day, great health doesn’t have to be complex, and singing, like exercise, can increase your mental and emotional health for years to come. So, whether you’re a life-long singing aficionado, or a timid shower hummer looking for ways to feel better in your golden years, singing is a smart and enjoyable approach to better health! What’s more, it’s easy, free, and fun. Happy humming!