Singing is one of the most enjoyable & natural activity known to man. Not only that. Research shows it helps us become healthier, prettier, and look younger.
This is one of music’s many wonderful mysteries. While it has the power to touch emotions in such a way no other science or art can, it also has a way of making people look and feel better than ever.
History and scientific research has revealed the negative effects of music. However, when put to good use, it imparts strength and courage on all of us. In one way or another, we have been recipients of the elevating effects of music, and whenever that happens, we truly cannot explain why suddenly we feel so good.
Singing might actually be a great health investment
Listening to music is one of the mediums through which we feel good. However, singing (the act in which we engage our body to make music through the voice) has proven to be even more powerful. An article on Times briefly pointed out that the power of singing is like a that perfect tranquilizer that both soothes the nerves and elevate the spirits, probably way better than a warm bowl of soup. It went further to say that:
Study after study has found that singing relieves anxiety and contributes to quality of life.
But while it calms the nerves, it also has the physiological effects pretty similar to that of a person getting a workout. Pretty ironic, right? Well, The Telegraph reports that when a person sings, every muscle group vibrates. Like giving the body a tonic massage. There you go. Massage soothes the body, right?
Here’s the cool part tho. As the body relaxes, the lung capacity increases, the posture improves, the sinuses clear, and the mind becomes more alert than ever by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood. But the best part is when the researchers deduced that,
Singing helps to maintain youthful good looks.
It gets even better. Aside from getting a good workout and a facial lift, it also gives a pretty good effect on the mood. Singing helps to combat sadness, anxiety, and depression. BBC Magazine reported that music releases certain chemical in the brain that has a key role in setting good moods.
Truth be told, these studies are just but a tip of the iceberg. But it simply goes to show that if it can do much for us, then shouldn’t we be singing more?
Sing regularly and reap the benefits
I propose then that you should add singing to your morning routine. When you wake up in the morning, sing in thankfulness to God that you are still alive, sing in the shower, sing as you prepare breakfast, and sing as you head out the door.
Or make it a part of your evening routine. Sing as you sort through your mail, sing in thankfulness that you made it through the day, sing as you prepare your clothes and things for the next day.
Better yet, sing throughout the day. Sing on your way to work or school. Sing when someone is mad at you. Sing when someone is stressing you out. Sing when the sun shines, or when the fog fails to lift. Live your life like as if it’s a musical. Burst out in song if you have to!
But here’s the part where I give you the disclaimer. You see, these studies showed to be successful only if a particular attitude in singing is carried out. Participants reaped the benefits when they sang with conviction and
understanding. In other words, you would have to sing your heart out and sing it like you mean it!
You may not be necessarily as loud as an opera singer would. But if you sing with feeling, mindfulness, and
conviction, you will be surprised that it brings out a better, healthier, prettier, and younger you.
So what are you waiting for? Sing!
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
Psalm 57:7-9
Explore more hymns:
