How Singing Affects Your Brain—Six Reasons to Sing
Embrace Your Singing Voice to Release Endorphins
6 Healthy Reasons To Sing
Singing is beneficial in many ways but do you know how important singing is for your brain? Most of you are thinking, really? Well, I'm here to tell you yes - really. Stay with me now as I explain just what singing does to your brain. This could be a life-changer for you and yours.
Do you enjoy singing? If your answer is yes I have some good news for you. When you sing, endorphins (feel-good chemicals) are released in your brain. This brings about positive psychological effects. If you suffer from depression or are temporarily down in the dumps after a bad day, singing will help lift you from your dark place into the light.
Whether you're a shower singer, professional diva or take part in a choir, all types of singing will bring benefits to your brain.
Here are 6 more reasons singing is downright good for you:
- Boosts your immune system.
- Releases stress.
- Benefits your heart.
- Increases your energy.
- Improves your memory.
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Fosters clear thinking through correct breathing.
I'll show you how this all works in a minute. Meanwhile sit back, fix yourself a nice cool glass of H20 and read the following short story about one of my favorite students TJ.Burke.
The Singer Extraordinare
The Case of Vocalist T.J. Burke
His voice was as smooth as silk projecting a relaxed, beautiful tone. TJ. was master over his voice which covered a vocal range large enough to afford him complete singing freedom. His positive attitude and winning smile brought joy to his many fans which included me, his vocal teacher and coach.
Then one day he called me to cancel his voice lesson. TJ. didn't feel good. He wasn't sick, he just felt blue and lethargic. I convinced him that he needed a vocal lesson more than ever and to make the effort to keep his appointment. Reluctantly he agreed.
Later that same day I greeted TJ. at the door leading to my vocal studio. I noticed right away that TJ's winning smile was gone replaced by a sadness that tortured my heart. I was determined to help this gentle, kind friend. Beginning with breathing exercises to help regain his energy, I followed up with some scale work using a smooth, legato tone. He began to perk up a bit but not quite enough to suit me. I still had more work to do.
Then I introduced staccato singing to TJ. Wikipedia.org gives a good definition of staccato singing:
Staccato (stak-ka-to) (Italian for "detached") is a form of musical articulation. In modern notation, it signifies a note of shortened duration separated from the note that may follow by silence. It has been described by theorists and appeared in music since at least 1676.
Staccato singing requires much more control over the diaphragmatic muscle and TJ would have to direct all of his thinking towards this vocal technique. There would be no time for dwelling on negative thoughts. The result was like pouring sunshine over a dreary cloud. His countenance changed from sadness to joy in a matter of seconds. His brain welcomed this new energy rewarding him with more endorphins causing the much-needed feelings of happiness to permeate throughout his being.
After a vigorous vocal work out, some deep breathing and plenty of room-temperature water TJ left his singing lesson feeling like a new person. He was happy and so was I. Is it any wonder I love teaching others to sing?
Importance of Deep Breathing by Using The Diaphragm
One of the best assurances for developing a better voice is to breathe by using the diaphragm. If you are still inhaling by lifting the chest, you are robbing your voice of complete control.
Upper-body (Vertical) breathing is shallow and often erratic. Changing the way you breathe will lower stress levels within minutes. You can even lower your blood pressure by inhaling from the belly instead of the chest.
Every note you sing requires air for the tone to ride on. Using the diaphragmatic muscle provides this much-needed air. All other techniques involved in singing require air supplied by the most important singing tool - the diaphragm.
Note:
- The human brain requires between 500 and 600 milliliters of oxygen per minute. That’s 25 percent of the body’s total oxygen consumption.
- Proper (as opposed to high chest) deep breathing (diaphragmatic) may be an adjunct to oxygen saturation in the plasma.
Avoid using the chest, and lifting the shoulders as you inhale. Instead, inflate at the waistline and lower ribcage. Practice until this new way of breathing becomes automatic and replaces all chest breathing.
How The Brain Reacts To Singing
Singing actually changes the brain by moving musical vibrations through you thereby altering both your physical and emotional landscape. Because singing is like getting a dose of the perfect tranquilizer, it really does soothe your nerves and elevate your spirit. The singer feels both calm and energized and it doesn't cost a cent.
Who doesn't love the feeling of elation? Forget the drugs and alcohol. The endorphins which are released through singing will give you an immediate feeling of pleasure. And you can sing standing, sitting, and with good breathing technique, you can sing laying down.
Group singing has been studied by researchers and shown that singers have lower levels of cortisol which lowers stress. Whether you join a choir or prefer to sing solo singing relieves anxiety and improves the quality of your life. What more could you ask for?
The Brains Reaction to Singing
“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
— Billy JoelTouching and Uplifting
Final Words
Singing engages the brain's reward system. Research has now found that when we sing to any song that is on our mind, the act of singing aloud is beneficial to our health. In addition, singing helps improve the aging process. It certainly has worked for me. But let me remind you that you need to sing regularly to notice the benefits.
Heart Research UK, a leading United Kingdom Heart Health Organization, started a campaign to encourage people to join a choir. It's a terrific workout for the lungs and heart.
And while we're on the subject of singing, don't forget to sing to your children. A song is a special type of speech. " Lullabies, songs, and rhymes of every culture carry the 'signature' melodies and inflections of a mother tongue, preparing a child's ear, voice, and brain for language." Sally Goddard Blythe says in her book, The Genius of Natural Childhood.
Do not be concerned with the way your voice sounds. Just sing. Dismiss your ego and let go of the urge to judge your singing. Stop comparing your voice to other singers, especially recording personalities. If you need help, I'm here for you.
In the words of the late Karen Carpenter:
Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad.
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for anyone
Else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.
Sing, sing a song
Let the world sing along
Sing of love there could be
Sing for you and for me.
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for anyone
Else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.
Now that you have the lyrics in front of you, sing along with the video below.
Sing with joy and good health to you all.
Sing Along Now
Resources
Source: https://littleburstsofinspiration.wordpress.com/category/singing-and-wellness/
‘Etude’ music magazine for the period 1883 to 1957 has also indicated consistent and adamant support for the (physical and psychological) health benefits of singing (Hunter, 1999) (1)
http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/16/singing-changes-your-brain/
Will You Sing More Often After Reading This Hub?
Questions & Answers
Should I breathe through my nose or mouth when singing?
Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Vocalists must avoid a dry throat. Breathing through the mouth will cause extreme dryness to the entire throat area. Keep your vocal cords well hydrated by drinking plenty of room-temperature water.
Helpful 6
© 2015 Audrey Hunt
Related
Comments
I am running a baby sing-along class because of my belief in the power of singing and want moms to have that with their little ones.....it also helps with cognition and starting when the brain is so formable is huge!
Thank you for sharing that motivational article about the benefits of singing. I will definitely make a habit to sing more often.
Humm...so singing can be this beneficial....thanks for this information !
- AUTHOR
Hi William
How nice it is to see you again. And your comments are absolutely right on! Breathing correctly influences us physically and mentally. I often wonder why we aren't taught to breathe from the diaphragm while in school.
Thank you for posting this on social media. I hope you're doing fine.
Hi Audrey, I've just re-read this hub. I'll be 84 next month and I have now found your advice on breathing properly for singing to be even more important for one's overall health -- both physically and mentally. I've just got to post this now on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for the good advice.
Thank you for your hellp
- AUTHOR
Linda
You just keep right on singing! IT'S fun, good for the mind and a great way to express yourself.
While I continue to sound terrible while singing, I will never allow that to stop me...even though my family and friends plead with me to STOP. :)
- AUTHOR
norlawrence
Great to see you here. So nice to know you enjoyed this article and even learned from it. Thank you!
Audrey
Great article. I learned a lot. I really enjoyed it. Thanks
- AUTHOR
Hello Shyron
So nice to see you here. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my hub. I have such respect for you as a writer. So when I receive a pat on the back from you Im over the moon! Thank you dear friend.
Audrey
Thank you Audrey for all the tips
On singing and how it removes the strife
From the mundane times in life
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Blessings and hugs my dear friend
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- AUTHOR
RTalloni
HELLO my friend. Yes indeed - participating in both a choir and congregational singing helps to improve the aging process. In addition, there's the social aspect to consider. As we age we tend to reduce socializing...not realizing that we need it more than ever.
Thanks so much for your kind support.
This is great information to have and to share. As our society ages it's very important to be aware of ways to improve the aging process, as you put it. People who go to churches where congregational singing of hymns is a regular part of the services must benefit from participating on more levels than they realize!
- AUTHOR
ignugent17
Appreciate your enthusiasm for my hub. Keep on singing my friend!
- AUTHOR
Rajan
Thanks for reading my hub. I,m glad you like T.J.s story and the video. Have a pleasant day.
Surabi
Very happy to hear you liked my hub!
- AUTHOR
Rajan
Thanks for reading my hub. I,m glad you like T.J.s story and the video. Have a pleasant day.
Surabi
Very happy to hear you liked my hub!
Wow thanks! I will start singing now.
Have a good day. :-)
I just loved this article! Much Love.
Singing does buoy up the spirits though I was not aware of its other benefits. Thanks for motivating moment of TJ's life and also the wonderful Karen Carpenter video. Sharing this hub.
- AUTHOR
sujaya - Thank you for taking the time to read this hub. Glad you like the song.
ARainey - It's such a "feel-good" song isn't it? And the words are absolutely true. Thanks so much for being here.
chef-de-jour - "verbal jogging" - this is wonderful! Clever and oh so true. I appreciate your fine comments, the vote up and the sharing. You've put a smile on this sick (flu) face and I thank you!
Vellur - Hello my friend. You've said it all in your comments. We are too judgmental about how we sing. And yes, we must let go of our inhibitions and start singing! Thank you.
vespawoolf - Thank you for reading my hub and taking time to write comments. I do appreciate it. T.J. is one of those special people that makes you feel good just to be around him. And he's one heck of a great singer. My best to you.
It sounds likeI need too sing more! TJ's example is a testimony to the benefits of singing. Thanks!
- AUTHOR
jodah,
I love this song too. It's one of those feel good songs. Thank you for reading my article. Always a pleasure to see you dear friend.
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Music is healing and singing soothes the soul! Great you helped the vocalist to get back to singing. It hink we all are too judgemental about how we sing and how our voice sounds. I guess we just have to let go of all our inhibitions and start singing. Great hub.
- AUTHOR
FlourishAnyway - Hurrah for your comments! You've confirmed the main reason for singing. Who cares what others think? They should start singing themselves. Thanks.
SweetiePie - The point is it matters not what your voice sounds like or whether it's weak or strong. I'm happy to hear you are singing!
annart - Good for you! You're doing a good thing for your mind and body. Great example and thanks!
Hi Nell - Singing is good for 'what ails you." I know you love to sing and that is just terrific. Forget what anyone else says - you just keep on singing gal!
Audrey, you've combined personal passion and scientific fact in this article and brought home the message that music and singing in particular is a form of therapy. I guess singing might be equivalent to the most pleasant form of verbal jogging, it gets the chemicals flowing within the body and brain!
I sing a lot, often with a strumming guitar in my hands. We have a piano in the room too which my partner plays.
Voted up and a share for this useful hub.
- AUTHOR
sujaya - Thanks for being here. Have a great day.
DDE - So glad singing gives you more confidence and puts you in a positive mood. This is exactly what I love to hear.
Excellent post, I love that you included a song :)
love to listen to your song
- AUTHOR
Faith Reaper - Hello sweet lady. I love your comments. Thanks for sharing the part about letting go of your ego. This doesn't surprise me knowing what I do about you. Your attitude is marvelous! I think when we sing to our children and grand children we weave priceless memories that last a life-time. Blessings to you dear friend.
Audrey
Kathleen Cochran - Oh, Kathleen, I love your poem! With your permission I would like to use it in the book I'm writing about singing. You are talented in many ways and your ability to create a poem about singing is magnificent. Thank you so much.
Audrey
Glenn Stok - I always look forward to your comments Glenn as you are one of my all-time favorite hubbers. You are intelligent, creative, and supportive of so many of us as we struggle to produce good material. I follow your comments in the forums because I always learn and grow from you.
I'm just thrilled to hear that my little hub has motivated you to sing more often. Thanks Glenn. Have a productive and wonderful day.
Audrey
Kingsley Iyoke - l am so happy to hear that after reading my hub you will be singing. Good for you! Sing songs that fill you with joy and let others hear you that they too will feel happiness. Thank you.
Audrey
- AUTHOR
bravewarrior - I love your story of how you would sing to your son as you held him in your arms rocking him to sleep. I especially like your pointing out that both you and your baby benefitted from your singing.
Nice to know that you enjoyed the Karen Carpenter song. I find myself starting my day with singing (puts me in a good mood) and this song really does it for me. It's one of the first songs I teach my vocal students. The lyrics send a positive message while the melody is easy to sing for all levels of expertise including beginners.
Thanks Sha and sending hugs.
Audrey
- AUTHOR
social thought - I can't thank you enough for your response to my hub. So supportive and so kind. I'm impressed with the way you turn negativity into something beautiful through singing. Thank you my friend!
Thanks Frank for being here and showing your appreciation
pstraubie48 - You have certainly experienced first hand how singing can turn darkness into light. Sharing comments like this adds credibility to my hub and I thank you for this! And thanks for my angels too.
Audrey
- AUTHOR
strictlydating - You sure do and sing away my friend!
Cyndi10 - Yes, both the car and the shower are great for singing. I'm thrilled to know you are using both to enjoy your own voice. Great!
This is a wonderful hub Audrey, good advice to sing for your health. Thank you for including the words to the Carpenters' lovely song "Sing a Song".
- AUTHOR
ChitrangadaSharan - Oh, thank you my friend. It's nice to be writing again. I'm happy to know you agree with the reasons for singing and how this helps the brain. I hope your days are filled with joy.
Hugs,
Audrey
I loved this! I also love singing, but my partner says I sound like a 'dead cat' which is a bit of an oxymoron, but hey who cares? its good for you! lol!
Wonderful! I know singing makes me feel better and I know I should do it more often. I've made a conscious decision to have my iTunes on when I work - every day!
Thanks for this, Audrey!
Ann
I do not have the best singing voice in the world, but I enjoy singing along with songs I like when I am home alone.
We should all be singing, even if it's only in the shower or the car by ourselves! Forget what people think. They benefits far outweigh everything else.
- AUTHOR
Hi Genna. You are singing for all the right reasons - especially during vacuuming. I love this! What a great way to use singing. Because you sing everyday during different activities such as gardening, your brain truly responds by boosting your immune system and releasing those feel-good endorphins. I know how much you love to sing. You're a marvelous example to all of us! Thank you for your very nice compliment. I truly cherish what you have written.
Hugs
Audrey
- AUTHOR
William - You've experienced first-hand what singing does to your brain by singing every single day. Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this.
mckbirdbks - Hi Mike. A back-up group of dogs isn't a bad thing (but it sure is funny.) LOL
marcoujor - Dear Maria your recent experience with music is a marvelous first-hand account of how music can heal. I love it! I'd like to include your testimony in a book I'm working on and will contact you for more information. Thank you lovely lady.
Audrey
denise w.anderson - The Carpenters will always remain my favorite - a multi-talented brother and sister who did it all. I remember the day that Karen passed on. I cried my heart out.
I love getting comments from someone like you - a real choir participant and director who lives and benefits from the act of singing. Thank you Denise.
I enjoy listening to music and sometimes singing it gives me more confidence and positiveness. A lovely hub to feel good again.
quite interesting
i guess am gonna sing more often lol
I like to sing and I realize how it makes me feel better when I do. That was an interesting story about T.J. and how he was depressed and felt better after that singing lesson. This was a very good hub and it motivates me to sing even more often than I do. Thanks.
And then He said, Sing!
From a laughing heart.
Sing!
When the night is dark.
Sing!
Let the joy explode and let music fill the air.
Sing!
When the sun comes shining through.
Sing!
When something deep inside of you
tells you that life is still a wonder,
Just throw back your head and SING!
Dear Audrey,
This is wonderful news to hear of all the benefits of singing, for I do love to sing, especially while driving and to my darling grandchildren. I am not surprised in the least about how good singing is for all. I believe I have dismissed my ego a long time ago when it comes to the "sound" of my voice when singing, and best of all, my children and grandchildren never told me how terrible I sound.
Sharing everywhere
Yes, "Sing, sing a song!"
- AUTHOR
breakfastpop - Hahaha! You have your own private studio for singing. But how will you get all that recording equipment in? You'll need these items to record your first album.
Audrey
Karen Hellier - Very glad to hear that you love to sing. And animals respond to singing and enjoy it. So keep up the good work and stay healthy and happy.
- AUTHOR
Hi Bill - Your very nice comment really gave my spirit a lift. Working on Chapter 1 as we speak. Will be sending you an email soon. Thanks for your support.
Ever grateful for you.
Love,
Audrey
Audrey, I love the story you shared of your student. Proof in the pudding, ya know?
When my son was an infant I sang to him each time I put him down for a nap or the night. I'd hold him in my arms as we sat in the rocking chair (which I still have) and I'd sing to him until he fell asleep. It was as soothing for me as it was for him. I think it strengthened our bond in addition to passing on a love for music.
Love the Karen Carpenter song. It'll be in my head all day!
shower singing, alone singing.. yeah I do that..LOL what a hub thank you so much vocal-coach for sharing this hub with all of us...
It has to be so, Audrey...singing does have a profound effect on each of us, doesn't it? I know how I feel when I sing and even after I finish...it seems to flow into the very core of me transforming any negative energy to a flood of goodness...no exaggeration....
thank you so much for sharing this with us....Angels are on the way to you this afternoon once again ps
Audrey, this is such a lovely piece! I haven't been singing as often as usual, lately, from being so busy with work. I still sing in the car, though! I need music when I work, too! I remember one of my vocal coaches used to find that when I would come to a lesson in a bad mood I had much more energy in my voice than if I came in a good mood. I like channeling the negativity into the music and I come out a different person. I think what you and other vocal coaches do is so important. Never let anyone tell you differently. Thanks for writing this!
Now I have a great excuse to sing more!
I love to sing, but only alone because I don't have the best singing voice. It does make you feel great when you sing out loud. The car and the shower are great for that. Now that we carry our music everywhere, it's easy to tune in and sing out.
Thanks for validating why singing makes you feel so good.
Take care.
Great hub and so good to see you publishing after a long time!
I completely agree with your six reasons. We should sing more often to keep ourselves mentally healthy. Singing should be part of our lives.
I enjoy singing and you are right that this is a great way to remain positive.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful hub!
I sing every day, but just as often to myself when I'm in the shower or gardening, or driving while running errands, so I don't bother anyone. (This may sound silly, but I also sing when vacuuming because I can't stand to vacuum :-) I can't imagine life without song or music. Thank you for this amazing article. You are our angel of the voice, Audrey. Hugs
I love the Carpenters! They are my favorite recording group! I watched a television program of a performance of theirs as a teenager and fell in love with their mellow sound.
I am in two different choirs, one as a singer and the other as a director. It gives me two chances every week to jack up my endorphins! There is no better way to have a spiritual and emotional high!
I just attended a Gestalt workshop with music interwoven through the weekend.
Music had the ability to assist in the healing process with everyone in attendance.
Audrey, you have done a stellar job of detailing the physical and mental benefits of music. Love the way you helped TJ.
Well, this explains everything.
Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad.
Darn neighbor dogs, always join in!
- AUTHOR
Hi Kingsley - A big thanks for your nice comments. Sing with joy!
drbj - Singing in the shower is just great! With the nice hot water bathing your body, along with the best of acoustics for your singing, you're bound to sound like a pro.
Thanks Doctor.
Audrey
Excellent hub. Your hub rings true to me, vocalcoach. I've been singing all my life (You could almost say all day and all night every day!)
- AUTHOR
abbaelijah - You're welcome my friend. I'm glad you liked this hub. Singing out loud is a gift we can give to our self. Do it often. Joy to you.
Hi Peter - You are absolutely right. Music cures many ailments and is a pleasure as well. Thanks.
Hi Eric - Yes, singing keeps life good. I've been singing since the ripe age of 3. :) Thanks.
Well this is great news. I love to sing and used to sing in choirs growing up. Now I only sing in the car, to my dog, but I will make more of an effort to do it more often after reading this!
I love this hub, but if you'll excuse me I am entering my bathroom because the acoustics are fabulous and I have a song waiting to burst!
If I want to know something about carpentry, I talk to an expert. If I want to know something about singing, I talk to you.
How's that book coming along, young lady? Waiting to see a few chapters. :)
hugs,
bill
I love to sing, Audrey. It's the folks who happen to hear me who are not too thrilled with my vocal ability. So I sing in the shower where I am my own best audience. :)
Nice. Really interesting
Wonderful hub. Life is good, singing keeps it that way.
Singing is pretty much what we can do listening to music and get the benefits of the sound of music as well :)
Really !
Wow !
Thanks for the info !
I need knew this......
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