Singing is a very ancient human activity that has always existed. In some cultures, people sing to celebrate divine beings; in others, they sing to tell a story. You can also simply sing for pleasure. Because yes, singing makes us feel good!
Singing is good for the body and the mind
Its impact on our physical and mental well-being is today widely proven by the scientific community.
Singing to strengthen your body—gently but surely
You may not know it, but when you sing, you’re exercising your muscles! The more you sing, the more you improve your posture. You become much more toned. Many muscles are engaged during a singing session. First the facial muscles, the famous zygomatic muscles. Yes, because to sing, you must articulate first and foremost, or the sound won’t come out correctly. This helps your skin retain better elasticity, which makes singing perhaps the best anti-wrinkle trick there is!
The back muscles as well as the thigh muscles are also widely engaged. The abdominals aren’t left out either and actively work when you belt out a tune. If you don’t have time to exercise, sing—you’ll feel the effects quickly.
Singing to take care of your health
Singing is also excellent for your health and helps keep you in shape. British scientists notably studied the saliva of several people with cancer before and after a one-hour singing session. They observed a drop in cortisol, the stress hormone, but also an increase in cytokines, immune-system signaling proteins.
Singing thus helps you release stress, while boosting your immune system. And that’s not all! Breathing is also extremely important during a singing session: you sing by expanding your belly, you engage your diaphragm, you exhale… All these exercises contribute to better oxygenation of your entire body. Your lung capacity grows, your muscles relax.
Singing is thus highly recommended for people with asthma or emphysema. Finally, another study recently highlighted the value of vocal exercises for people who snore or have sleep apnea. At about 20 minutes a day, these exercises strengthen the muscles of the mouth and significantly help reduce these problems, which today affect more than 15 million Americans.
Singing to boost your mood
Beyond all the physical benefits it provides, singing also plays a significant role in our mental well-being. When you sing, your body produces oxytocin, a hormone that simply makes you happy! You relax, while releasing positive energy that helps you forget everyday worries.
Singing can also help you overcome shyness by encouraging you to gain more self-confidence. Singing is excellent for self-esteem, so why deprive yourself?
Anyone can do it
Are you still hesitating to unleash your voice? Do you worry you’ll sing off-key? First, know that a musical ear can be trained! With a bit of practice and the help of a teacher, you’ll be singing better and better. It isn’t always easy for someone new to singing to place their voice and breathe correctly. So don’t hesitate to find a teacher near you; they’ll help you find your voice.
If you’re really too shy to take the plunge, consider joining a choir. It’s always easier to sing with others, because you’re carried by the group, a sense of communion among all members. It’s also a place where social bonds are extremely strong and where different generations mix joyfully; you may feel more at ease there.
Finally, if you love it, sing! No matter where you are or what you’re doing, make your voice heard!
