Sing Up Foundation | Singing & Health (2024)

FAQs

Does singing lower cortisol? ›

Researchers in that study found that the amount of cortisol was lower after singing, an indication that people felt more relaxed after they'd belted out a tune. They also found singing reduces stress levels whether the participants were singing in a group or by themselves.

By increasing blood flow through the body, singing also encourages the brain to release feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, and helps to strengthen neural pathways and increase neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change and adapt to new experiences).

Singing is an aerobic activity and increases overall health. It exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, helping to improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system and encourages you to take more oxygen into your body, leading to increased alertness. Singing stimulates the vagus nerve.

Studies into the health benefits of singing conducted at Canterbury University showed positive associations between singing and feelings of well-being: Greater relaxation responses. Improved breathing and benefit to the heart and immune system n better posture. Enhanced social, spiritual and emotional benefits.

One study found that, compared to running, swimming was more effective in reducing cortisol. Submerging your whole body in water can also be therapeutic – the repetition of a swimming stroke gives you something to focus your mind on.

An unhealthy diet filled with added sugars and processed foods will raise cortisol levels and put you at a greater risk for high blood pressure and diabetes.

Typically, aim for 15-30 minutes a day to establish a routine without overwhelming yourself. Intermediate singers may benefit from extending their practice time to 30-60 minutes a day, focusing on refining specific techniques, scales, or songs.

Danger of Oversinging

The first thing that happens is swelling in the vocal chords. If you don't take caution when you have swollen vocal chords you will start seeing bigger problems like nodules or polyps on the chords and even bleeding.

Livestrong.com states that, “A person weighing 150 pounds will burn approximately 100 calories singing for an hour while sitting down, and a 200-pound individual will burn about 140 calories.” If singing while standing, calories burned increase to 140 and 180, respectively.

It turns out we do it for many reasons: stress relief, happiness, great acoustics, or maybe just because we like to hear our own voices. No matter what the reason, keep it up. It's good for you. And if you've never tried it, pick a song, grab the showerhead and put on your own private concert.

Does singing activate the vagus nerve? ›

Singing – especially the loud kind – involves deep breathing and a big old vibration of the vocal cords. Even better, it's a sure-fire way to activate the Vagus Nerve.

Singing lowers your blood pressure.

There have been several case studiesthat have revealed that singing can decrease blood pressure due to it's calming and relaxing effect. Patients have been able to calm themselves down and lower blood pressure readings when in the hospital by singing hymns.

Engaging in daily singing sessions can do wonders for your voice beyond just improving your vocal abilities. It can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Singing releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which can elevate your mood and reduce stress levels.

The larynx or, as you may have heard of it referred to as, your 'voice box', is a muscular organ that holds your vocal cords. It also serves to form an air passage down to your lungs. The larynx is made up of bone and cartilage, and is found on top of your trachea (your windpipe), which connects down into your lungs.

We all know there's a perfect song for every mood. But singing, particularly in a group, also boosts the release of endorphins and serotonin – feel-good happy hormones. Performing live also stimulates adrenaline, and singing improves your immune system by reducing the stress hormone cortisol.

Pleasing music can reduce blood flow to the amygdala (otherwise known as the 'fear centre' of the brain), lower the production of cortisol (AKA the 'Stress hormone') and increase our dopamine levels.

There's an increasing amount of evidence that singing releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – the 'happy' chemicals that boost your mood and make you feel good about yourself.

For example, omega-3 fatty acids — healthy fats found in fatty fish like salmon, chia seeds and flaxseeds — have been shown to help reduce cortisol levels. You can get omega-3s from fish oil supplements. Vitamin D, which is also available as a supplement, has also been linked to lower cortisol levels.

An hour of exposure to a low frequency sound (40–115 Hz) diminishes the hematic cortisol concentration in 86% of the testers. On the other hand, high frequencies (8200–8500 Hz).