SINGING – A NATURAL HIGH
Hello everyone and welcome to another FACTUAL FRIDAY. Today we’re going to discuss music, specifically singing, and the healthy benefits that come with it. After all, what’s more fun than singing? Whether it’s in the shower, at a birthday party, on karaoke night, in a car or on the professional stage, singing always makes us feel good.
In fact, music in all its forms is an ancient art that has been a part of every culture since the beginning of recorded history. And, with good reason.
Many studies have been conducted over the years on the benefits of music for the human body and mind. And, recent studies from Tenovus Cancer Care in South Wales highlight the benefits of singing in particular – especially for cancer patients and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Now this particular research featured 193 participants who were either caretakers for a now deceased cancer patient, caretakers for a living cancer patient or were patients themselves in remission. Each participant sang in a 70-minute choir rehearsal, then gave saliva samples, which indicated higher levels of immune system proteins. And, then participants filled out questionnaires to assess their mood and stress levels before the rehearsal and after.
The results found that the moods of the participants were elevated while their stress levels were decreased. Based on both objective and subjective observation, singing does appear to have a positive and nurturing effect on the body and mind.
In addition, there are many benefits to singing that anyone can enjoy, whether or not they are living with a chronic illness, and here are just 5 to sing about.
CARDIOVASCULAR PROTECTION
Singing can lower our blood pressure and balance our heart rate, which can help protect us from cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
IMPROVED LUNG CAPACITY & OXYGENATION
Singing is an aerobic activity that exercises the major muscle groups in the upper body and allows our lungs to expand and take in more oxygen. This increased oxygenation helps fuel every cell and organ in our body, resulting in increased energy and muscular strength. Singing also involves the diaphragm, which promotes a healthy lymphatic system.
STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM
Singing decreases the level of our stress hormone cortisol, increases the level of immunoglobulin A, and boosts our brain’s production of endorphins. Together these strengthen our immune system and help protect us from illness and disease.
DECREASES PAIN
Endorphins not only help boost our immune system but they also are our body’s natural painkillers. As we sing and our body releases more endorphins, our aches and pains will begin to diminish.
FIGHTS DEPRESSION
When we sing, our brain produces more of the feel-good chemicals of serotonin and dopamine, which in turn decrease depression, enhance our mood, and increase our feelings of relaxation and confidence.
What’s really amazing about a little singing, is that according to a combined Harvard and Yale University study, when we add all of these incredible benefits together, singing has the ability to prolong life. Our psychology improves because the endocrine system, which is linked to our sense of wellbeing gets a jump start. As a result, those who sing regularly appear to increase their life expectancy. Now, that’s not bad for something which is just plain fun and can be done almost anywhere by anyone!
So, the next time you have the urge to break into song – do it! Embrace it wholeheartedly. Not only because it’s fun and feels good but because it can boost your immune system, reduce your pain and stress, enhance your overall wellbeing and even prolong your life!
On that note, thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time stay safe, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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