Singing Helps to Relieve Stress – Singing is a great way to relieve stress. It’s been shown to lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, and calm the mind. In fact, singing can be so beneficial that it’s been used as a form of therapy for centuries.
There are many ways to use singing for stress relief. You can sing in the shower, in the car, or even at work. And although you can take singing lessons online to improve your skills, you don’t need to be a professional singer to benefit from singing. Just let loose and enjoy yourself!
Here are six ways singing helps to relieve stress.
6 Ways Singing Helps to Relieve Stress
1. Singing Reduces Cortisol Levels
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that singing can be a great way to reduce stress levels. One study, for example, found that singing can help to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress, and high levels of it can have harmful effects on the body.
When you sing, the sound of your voice helps to calm and soothe your mind, which in turn can lower your cortisol levels.
Whether you sing in the shower, in the car on your way to work, or hum in public, all of these things can help reduces your cortisol levels and relieve the stress we incur on a day-to-day basis.
2. Singing Helps Alleviate Feelings of Sadness or Depression
Singing can be an effective way to reduce feelings of sadness or depression. The act of singing engages both the left and right sides of the brain, which can help improve moods. Singing also releases endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects. In addition, singing can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-confidence.
A great way to boost your mood and confidence is to sing with friends, in a choir, at karaoke, or even at your local open mic. All of these places will give you a chance to belt out your favourite songs and take your mind off of the things that are causing feelings of sadness.
If you are feeling sad or down, try singing some of your favourite songs. You may be surprised at how much better you feel afterwards.
3. Singing in a Group Create a Sense of Social Cohesion
When people sing together in a group, it helps reduce stress levels. A study by the City University of New York found that singing in a group created a sense of social cohesion and made people feel happier. The study also found that singing in a group reduced stress levels and made people feel more relaxed.
As previously mentioned, One of the reasons why singing in a group helps reduce stress is because it releases endorphins. Another reason why singing in a group helps reduce stress is because it provides a distraction from the stresses of daily life. When people are focused on singing, they are not as focused on their worries and concerns. This can help to take the edge off of stressful situations and help people to feel more relaxed.
Singing in a group can also help to boost self-esteem and confidence. When people are able to share their talents with others, it can help them to feel good about themselves. This increased self-esteem can help to reduce stress levels and make people feel more positive about their lives.
Finally, singing in a group can help to create a sense of community. When people sing together, they feel like they are part of something larger than themselves. This sense of community can help to reduce stress levels and make people feel more connected to others.
4. Singing Has Been Shown to Boost the Immune System
Singing has been shown to boost the immune system. A study by the Royal College of Music found that choir singing can help to improve immune function. The study found that singing increased the quantities of cytokines – proteins of the immune system – which can boost your body’s ability to fight off illness.
Singing also increases levels of antibodies, which helps to protect against disease.
All of these benefits can help to boost the immune system and keep people healthy.
5. Chanting or Singing Mantras Helps Clear the Mind
Chanting or singing mantras can help to clear the mind and focus the thoughts. Mantras are words or phrases that are repeated over and over again to help achieve a certain result. When people chant or sing mantras, they are focusing their thoughts on the mantra and clearing their minds of distractions.
The repetition of the mantra helps to quiet the mind and allows the person to focus on the meaning of the mantra. This can help to achieve a state of mental peace and calm. In addition, chanting or singing mantras can help to increase concentration and focus.
All of these benefits can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health. Chanting or singing mantras is a great way to focus the mind and reduce stress.
6. Listening to Music Can Also Help to Reduce Stress
Apart from singing, listening to music can also help to reduce stress. A study by the University of Nevada found that listening to music can help to lower stress levels. The study found that people who listened to slower music can have the effect of relaxing their muscles and making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day.
Listening to music can also help to distract from stressful thoughts and provide a sense of calm.
Conclusion
When it comes to managing stress, everyone is different. Some people might find relief from writing in a journal, others may take a hot bath or go for a run. If you’re looking for another way to de-stress that doesn’t require leaving your home or putting on pants, consider singing. Singing has been shown to have many benefits for mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety levels. So the next time you feel yourself starting to tense up, break out your favourite song and sing along (or even just in your head). It might be just what you need to calm down and relax.
About the author: Cody is the founder of Musician Tuts, a free tutorial hub for musicians. He has over 10 years of experience playing the guitar, drums, bass, and audio engineering. He spends his days blogging, listening to Spotify, and playing music.