Remember how the tunes and lyrics from those Disney movies or musicals stick with you. Then, you find yourself suddenly belting one out as you drive home from work on Friday afternoon. The sheer joy of singing, even if you can’t carry a tune, just makes you feel good. But is it only the musical memories it evokes or is there more to it.
Researchers believe there’s more.
Much more.How singing helps your brain
- When you sing, it releases endorphins (those chemicals that make you feel-good) into the brain.
- It can lift mild depression.
- Learning the lyrics to songs improves your memory.
- Singing boosts your immune system, helping you resist illnesses.
- A song in your heart releases stress.
- The deep breathing, while you sing, clears your thinking.
- Vocalizing benefits your heart.
- While singing, your energy level increases.
When you sing correctly, that is, when you breathe deeply from your belly as you sing, you fill your lungs with oxygen which pushes more oxygen into your brain. In turn, that extra oxygen gives your mind the extra energy boost. The exercise provides your entire cardiovascular system a workout.
But singing does more than improve oxygen levels. Its vibrations change your brain itself by altering your brainwaves. And the endorphins it releases floods your mind with delight.
Researchers have studies on group singing such as in a choir or glee club revealing that singers have lower cortisol levels, meaning they have lower stress levels. Lower daytime cortisol levels give you a better night’s sleep too so singing can help you be more rested. Singing keeps you younger also. It gives your body and your brain a good workout and exercises your facial and neck muscles.
Children benefit from singing too. Lullabies, rhymes, and chants carry the rhythm of their culture. It prepares them for hearing and forming words, and developing language. Their speech improves when they learn to sing new words. And as they sing with you, it promotes social bonding.
If you’ve recently moved to a new city, finding a choral group, musical theater, or even the karaoke night at your local pub can give you an opportunity to exercise your voice, improve your brain, and also make new friends. Check with your local library or speak to the music teacher at your children’s school for information on vocal opportunities near you.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
