Are you a great singer? Or do you aspire to be? There are many reasons to sing, the most well known of which is fame and fortune, but there are also many physical health benefits of singing which are arguably more important. Here, sit with me here for a moment and I’ll introduce you to the three most important ones.
First and foremost, singing can reduce stress levels. And it is common knowledge that stress is a precursor of many common illnesses, and can even perpetuate them. One terrible thing about stress is that it commonly has the effect of propagating itself, which means it can easily lead to a way of life. Once one thing causes mental stress, it can alter your perspective so that you see things more negatively, which increases stress further. That’s why limiting stress is so important, and singing can definitely do that for you. Singing has been linked to lowering blood pressure, which effectively reduces anxiety, and empowers you to manage your stress and stay in control of your outlook. This in turn leads to increased energy level, improved mood, and even your ability to think clearly!
The second important health benefit of singing is the effect it has on your lungs, and consequently your entire body. Singing increases your lung capacity, which magnifies your blood’s oxygenation. Lack of oxygen in the blood can cause poor circulation, fatigue, and disorientation. On the other hand, ample blood oxygen exercises the lymphatic system, and clears sinus and respiratory tubes. In addition, singing naturally improves posture, tightens your stomach muscles, and also improves your breathing pattern. These are all great contributions to your physical health.
As you can see, the health benefits of singing are tremendous, and perhaps the most significant of all is the fact that singing can extend your life expectancy. How does singing do this? Well, it’s really a culmination of the other health benefits of singing. By releasing endorphins, the brain’s feel good chemicals, singing makes you feel good naturally. At the same time it reduces stress by decreasing the stress hormone cortisol by up to 25%. Scientists with the British Medical Journal proved that the vibrations in a singer’s throat send a signal to the brain that is responsible for both chemical effects. Then, combined with strengthened stomach, lung, throat, and mouth muscles, and improved posture, blood oxygen, and circulation, it’s easy to see why singing is so beneficial.