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How Singing Affects Your Brain (6 Reasons to Sing)

Singers have lower levels of cortisol which lowers stress. So, even if you think you can't carry a tune: Sing!

Singers have lower levels of cortisol which lowers stress. So, even if you think you can't carry a tune: Sing!

What Does Singing Do for Your Brain?

Do you enjoy singing? I have some good news for you, whether you sing professionally or limit your singing to the shower. When you release your voice, your brain releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals).

This brings about positive psychological effects. If you suffer from depression or are temporarily down in the dumps, singing will help lift you from your dark place into the light.

So stop worrying about your singing and start boosting those feel-good endorphins.

“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 Joel

Six Healthy Reasons to Sing

Singing benefits us in many ways, but do you know how important singing is for your brain? Whether you're a shower singer, a professional diva, or take part in a choir, all types of singing will bring benefits to your brain.

Look at the following list, then get busy and sing your favorite song.

Singing will:

  1. Boost your immune system.
  2. Release stress.
  3. Benefit your heart.
  4. Increase your energy.
  5. Improve your memory.
  6. Foster clear thinking through correct breathing.

I'll show you how this all works in a minute. Meanwhile, please sit back, fix yourself a cool glass of H20, and read the following short story about one of my favorite students, T.J. Burke.

TJ in rehersal.

TJ in rehersal.

The Case of Vocalist T.J. Burke

His voice was smooth as silk, projecting a relaxed, beautiful tone. TJ was a master of his voice, covering an extensive vocal range that afforded him complete singing freedom.

His positive attitude and winning smile brought joy to his many fans, including me, his vocal teacher,

Then, one day, he called me to cancel his voice lesson. TJ. It didn't feel good. He wasn't sick; he just felt blue. I convinced him that he needed a vocal lesson more than ever and to make an effort to keep his appointment. Reluctantly, he agreed.

Later that day, as I greeted TJ. at the door, I noticed his winning smile was gone, replaced by a sadness that bothered me.

He agreed to "go through a lesson." Beginning with breathing exercises to stir up his energy, I followed up with some scale work using a smooth, legato tone. He began to perk up a bit, but not enough to suit me. I still had more work to do.

Singing Staccato

Then, I introduced staccato singing to TJ. If you're not familiar with this term, Wikipedia.org gives this definition of staccato:

Staccato (stak-ka-to) (Italian for "detached") is a form of musical articulation. Modern notation signifies a note of shortened duration.

Staccato singing requires much more control over the diaphragmatic muscle, and TJ would have to direct all of his thinking toward 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 energy and rewarded him with more endorphins, causing feelings of happiness to permeate his being.

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Embrace your own singing voice. Boost your immune system and release stress.

Embrace your own singing voice. Boost your immune system and release stress.

How Deep Breathing Affects The Brain

One of the best guarantees for an active brain is deep breathing. Breathing from the diaphragmatic (belly) area strengthens the brain and boosts attention span.

Diaphragmatic breathing will also help in developing a better voice. If you still inhale by lifting your chest, you rob your voice of complete control. 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 critical singing tool: the diaphragm.

Upper-body (vertical) breathing is shallow and often erratic. Changing the way you breathe will lower stress levels within minutes. For example, inhaling from the belly instead of the chest can lower your blood pressure.

Controlling Your Breathing

Controlled breathing may help to boost the immune system.

Note:

  • The human brain requires between 500 and 600 milliliters of oxygen per minute, which is 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.
  • The brain stem controls our breathing.

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 changes the brain by moving musical vibrations through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape. It is like getting a dose of the perfect tranquilizer: It soothes your nerves and elevates your spirit. The singer feels calm and energized, and it doesn't cost a cent.

Who doesn't love the feeling of joy? Forget the drugs and alcohol. The endorphins released through singing will give you an immediate sense of pleasure. With good breathing technique, you can sing standing, sitting, or lying down.

Researchers have studied group singing and have shown that singers have lower cortisol levels, which lowers stress. Whether you join a choir or prefer to sing solo, singing relieves anxiety and improves the quality of your life.

Final Words: Sing Regularly!

Singing engages the brain's reward system. Research has now found that singing aloud benefits our health when we sing to any song on our mind. In addition, singing helps improve the aging process. But remember that you must sing regularly to notice the benefits. And don't worry about how your singing sounds—just sing!

Heart Research UK, a leading United Kingdom Heart Health Organization, started a campaign encouraging people to join a choir. It's a terrific workout for the lungs and heart.

"Sing a Song"

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 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.

Further Reading

Resources

How Breathing Calms Your Brain | Psychology Today

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/

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on March 26, 2020:

rccgrcp

Singing provides us with endless health benefits. It's also free so why not sing everyday and kick in those feel good endorphins. Thanks.

Gupi

Keep singing my friend. We are facing challenges like never before. Thanks for being here and take care.

Midge on September 01, 2019:

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!

Gupi on June 14, 2019:

Thank you for sharing that motivational article about the benefits of singing. I will definitely make a habit to sing more often.

rccgcrp on May 18, 2019:

Humm...so singing can be this beneficial....thanks for this information !

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 15, 2019:

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.

William F Torpey from South Valley Stream, N.Y. on April 26, 2019:

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.

Taylor on April 25, 2019:

Thank you for your hellp

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on February 03, 2017:

Linda

You just keep right on singing! IT'S fun, good for the mind and a great way to express yourself.

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on September 11, 2016:

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. :)

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on August 24, 2016:

norlawrence

Great to see you here. So nice to know you enjoyed this article and even learned from it. Thank you!

Audrey

Norma Lawrence from California on August 24, 2016:

Great article. I learned a lot. I really enjoyed it. Thanks

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on May 07, 2016:

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

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on April 30, 2016:

Thank you Audrey for all the tips

On singing and how it removes the strife

From the mundane times in life

*

*

Blessings and hugs my dear friend

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on April 05, 2016:

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.

RTalloni on April 05, 2016:

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!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on March 23, 2016:

ignugent17

Appreciate your enthusiasm for my hub. Keep on singing my friend!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on March 23, 2016:

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!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on March 23, 2016:

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!

ignugent17 on February 16, 2016:

Wow thanks! I will start singing now.

Have a good day. :-)

Surabhi Kaura on January 23, 2016:

I just loved this article! Much Love.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on January 22, 2016:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on December 08, 2015:

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.

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on December 08, 2015:

It sounds likeI need too sing more! TJ's example is a testimony to the benefits of singing. Thanks!

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 30, 2015:

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.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on November 18, 2015:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 08, 2015:

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!

Andrew Spacey from Sheffield, UK on November 08, 2015:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 04, 2015:

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.

ARainey on November 03, 2015:

Excellent post, I love that you included a song :)

sujaya venkatesh on November 01, 2015:

love to listen to your song

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 01, 2015:

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

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on November 01, 2015:

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

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 31, 2015:

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

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 25, 2015:

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!

John Hansen from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 25, 2015:

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".

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 24, 2015:

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

Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on October 24, 2015:

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!

Ann Carr from SW England on October 18, 2015:

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

SweetiePie from Southern California, USA on October 12, 2015:

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.

Elaina Baker from USA on October 10, 2015:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 09, 2015:

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

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 09, 2015:

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.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on October 09, 2015:

I enjoy listening to music and sometimes singing it gives me more confidence and positiveness. A lovely hub to feel good again.

sujaya venkatesh on October 08, 2015:

quite interesting

Austin Weather on October 06, 2015:

i guess am gonna sing more often lol

Glenn Stok from Long Island, NY on October 06, 2015:

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.

Kathleen Cochran from Atlanta, Georgia on October 04, 2015:

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!

Faith Reaper from southern USA on October 03, 2015:

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!"

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 02, 2015:

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.

Audrey Hunt (author) from Pahrump NV on October 02, 2015:

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

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on September 30, 2015:

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!

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on September 29, 2015:

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...

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on September 29, 2015:

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....