8 Reasons to Sing Through the Stress
Want a way to calm your stressed-out nervous system that’s fun, easy, and can be done almost anywhere? As it turns out, like many of the activities you may have left behind in your childhood, singing can offer you a wealth of health and wellness benefits. Whether or not you have any true talent has little impact on the many perks you’ll get from singing - even if you do it for just a few minutes a day.
Let’s look at some of the impressive physical and psychological health benefits singing offers.
Singing is a way to instantly shift your mood. The power of music is amplified when you sing along because you are fully immersing yourself in the experience. Choose songs that have been proven favorites that make you smile, and maybe even get you dancing!
You’ll increase your sense of well-being. Studies show that when you sing, your body releases mood-elevating and stress-reducing hormones. That makes singing an excellent method for calming your nervous system while also elevating your spirits.
It’s an easy mindfulness exercise. I’m sure you’ve heard that being in the present moment can ease stress and create a more peaceful mind. Singing is a fail-proof form of mindfulness, and that makes it a fantastic tool in the wellness tool-chest, especially in these challenging times.
Singing is a way to boost your immune system. Science shows that singing naturally boosts the immune system. Anything that keeps your immune system strong is gold, and you can reap benefits with only a few songs each day.
Vocalizing is a form of exercise for your diaphragm. Singing gives your lungs a workout, while oxygenating the blood, which will make your whole body healthier and leave you feeling more alert.
Increasing lung capacity has the added benefit of strengthening the body. Expanding your chest can ease muscle tension while increasing muscle strength in the shoulders and back. This can be particularly helpful if you hold stress in your upper body.
Singing is great for your brain. Neuroscientist have found that singing stimulates new neural pathways in the brain. That makes it a wonderful way to spark creativity. Feeling stuck or “blocked” in your endeavors? Singing could be the way you find new answers.
There’s power in claiming your voice. Raising your voice in song can be a powerful experience. You may find that singing leaves you with a renewed sense of strength, too.