Today is World Mental Health Day, and while the stresses of everyday life can take their toll, we’re here to offer up our suggestion to help your wellbeing; singing.
At Welsh National Opera, we obviously love singing and think it’s one of the great joys of this world, but did you know that there are many health benefits to belting out a tune? More and more research is being carried out on this topic and it all points to the many benefits of singing, such as helping with anxiety, depression and reducing stress.
Researchers have found that music and singing release dopamine and endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain that makes you feel uplifted and happy, as well as simply taking your mind off the day’s troubles, so it’s no wonder why it’s seen as being a good boost for your mental health. Singing also releases stored muscle tension and decreases the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol in your blood stream, which allows us to restore a sense of calm.
One of the best ways to combat stress is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness works as it helps you focus on one thing, rather than mentally multi-tasking. Singing is just one of the many activities that is classified as a mindful past time, so the next time you’re feeling stressed out, try a rendition of your favourite song.
Singing releases endorphins which are feel-good hormones that can help reduce depression. A tiny organ in the ear called the sacculus responds to the frequencies created by singing which can create an immediate sense of pleasure, regardless of whether the sound is deemed good or bad by the listener – so you don’t even have to be a great singer to feel the benefits.Singing is often recommended by mental health professionals and doctors and even the world of naturerecognisesthe importance of the song – apparently, bird sing to one another to make them happier.
Singing can also help with anxiety as one of the first things people experiencing anxiety are advised to do is to breathe slowly and deeply. It is the process of exhalation that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (the part of the body that enables you to rest), so long exhales help to rectify this naturally. As singing is a form of regular, controlled breathing, it helps you relax.
Whatever your age and stage in life, you can enjoy the benefits of singing and music. Belting out a few tunes, whether you sound good or not, is good for your body, mind and soul and the benefits for your mental wellbeing are huge. You don’t have to be able to hit the high notes of The Queen of the Night Aria or perform Nessun Dorma like Pavarotti for singing to boost your mental health, so, whether it’s in the shower, the car or at a concert, get singing to boost your endorphins and feel happier and more relaxed.
FAQs
Researchers have found that music and singing release dopamine and endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain that makes you feel uplifted and happy, as well as simply taking your mind off the day's troubles, so it's no wonder why it's seen as being a good boost for your mental health.
How does singing help with mental health? ›
Singing lowers cortisol and relieves stress and tension. Studies have shown that when people sing, endorphins and oxytocin are released by the brain which in turn lowers stress and anxiety levels.
What are 3 benefits of singing? ›
10 Reasons Singing is Good for You
- Singing makes you feel better. ...
- Singing enhances lung function. ...
- Singing helps you beat stress and relax. ...
- Singing helps improve memory. ...
- Singing builds a sense of community. ...
- Singing lets you express yourself. ...
- Singing can help with pain relief. ...
- Singing boosts your confidence.
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.
How much of singing is mental? ›
Singing is a psychological activity as much as it is physical, and the way she implements the psychological strategies to overcome the mental blocks we have from singing our best is genius and Nobel prize-worthy.
Why is singing so powerful? ›
Singing increases oxytocin levels (aiding bonding) and decreases cortisol (lowering stress). It can also rapidly result in feelings of connection and flow – improving our mood, strengthening sense of identity and helping out long and short-term memory. For many of us, singing plays a key role from birth.
What happens to your brain when you sing? ›
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).
What are the 2 most important things to singing? ›
In addition to proper breathing, placement is essential to vocal technique.
What happens if you sing every day? ›
Daily vocal exercises can significantly improve your pitch, tone, and control. It's not just about singing songs but doing specific exercises that strengthen your vocal cords. Practicing regularly will also help you understand your own voice in a deeper way.
What happens to the body when you sing? ›
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.
Singing for a natural face lift
Research showed that 30 days of singing each day resulted in an improvement in facial muscle tone and helped to counterbalance aging effects. Singing also helps increase blood flow to the skin.
Does singing reduce inflammation? ›
Singing is simple, it's free and it has a wealth of benefits – from improving posture, lung function and blood pressure, to improving mood and reducing inflammation. And remember, even if you've always been told it's not your thing, sing without shame – it's just one thing where skill really doesn't matter!
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.
Is singing a gift or talent? ›
Singing can be both a natural talent and a skill. Some people are born with a tone that is naturally pleasing, but a good singing voice can be learnt. The best singers are those who devote the most amount of time and hard work to their passion.
Why does singing feel so good? ›
For anyone who has been singing for a significant period of time, you know that it is an aerobic exercise. You are burning calories as well as strengthening your diaphragm and your circulation. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which explains why most people feel “better” after they sing (Foot 1).
Why do people sing in the shower? ›
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.
How does singing affect you emotionally? ›
Singing is an emotional release for adults and children alike so it de-stresses and relaxes you. 2. Singing promotes wellbeing. After singing you could experience any or all of the following: improved lung capacity, high energy, relieved asthma, better posture, enhanced feelings of relaxation, mood and confidence.
Why does singing improve my mood? ›
Singing can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects. These hormones can help us feel less stressed, anxious or depressed; and they can also boost your overall mood.
How does music benefit mental health? ›
Listening to music isn't just enjoyable—it's good for you, too! Research has found that it can help your brain process information more efficiently, increase your ability to cope with stress, and even help jog your memory.
