SEVEN SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS OF SINGING – EVEN IF YOU SING OFF KEY

SINGING? IT’S NOT ONLY FUN, IT’S HEALTHY!

It’s time for another #Factual Friday everyone and 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 is just plain fun and always makes us feel better.

Now, all forms of music are ancient arts that have 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.

This 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. Does this indicate that choir singing may reduce one’s risk for developing cancer or improve a patient’s prognosis once they have been diagnosed with cancer? Well, this is not yet clear and answers to those questions will take much more research and many years to determine.

In the meantime, however, there are many benefits to singing that anyone can enjoy – be they involved in the cancer process or not.

So, here we go with SEVEN SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS OF SINGING.  It can:

1. Lower blood pressure and heart rate.
2. Boost a healthy immune system by increasing levels of Immunoglobulin A and decreasing levels of the stress hormone Cortisol.
3. Decrease pain.
4. Improve lung capacity.
5. Increase energy.
6. Enhance our mood by decreasing depression and increasing feelings of relaxation and confidence.
7. Improve memory and brain function.

But, that’s not all! According to a Harvard and Yale University combined study, when we add all of these incredible benefits together, singing has the ability to prolong life. After all, when we sing our psychology improves because the endocrine system, which is linked to our sense of well-being gets a jump start. The production of endorphins – our “feel good” chemicals – increases and aids our immune system. Singing also is an aerobic activity that exercises the major muscle groups in the upper body and increases oxygenation of the blood. And, when we sing loudly from our belly – as in a choir — we use our diaphragm, which promotes a healthy lymphatic system. 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 just feels good but because it can boost your immune system, reduce your feelings of pain and stress, enhance your overall well-being and even prolong your life!

On that note, thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!