When people come along to our music programs for people with a disability, they are often surprised to find one of our most used tools is simply a big screen TV and a set of tens of thousands of Karaoke songs, because singing is an important part of our offering.
Singing is a universal human activity that has been around for thousands of years. Whether it’s in the form of a lullaby, a religious hymn, or a pop song, singing is a natural expression of our emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
But singing is more than just a way to entertain or communicate; it also has a profound effect on our bodies and brains. In this article, we will explore what happens to the body and brain when you sing.
Firstly, singing activates a wide range of muscles in the body. When we sing, we use the muscles in our diaphragm, chest, neck, face, and mouth. This coordinated movement of muscles helps to increase blood flow to these areas, leading to improved oxygenation and nourishment of these tissues.
Singing also engages the core muscles, which can help improve posture and reduce tension in the body. In addition, it has been shown to increase lung capacity and improve respiratory control, which can have a positive impact on overall health.
Secondly, it has a powerful effect on the brain. Studies have shown that when we sing, our brain releases a variety of chemicals, including endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with feelings of pleasure, social bonding, and stress reduction. This helps to explain why singing can be such a powerful mood enhancer, and why singing with others can be a deeply bonding experience.
In addition, singing has been shown to increase activity in the right hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with creativity, intuition, and emotional processing. This can lead to enhanced emotional expression, increased self-awareness, and improved emotional regulation.
Thirdly, belting out a tune can have a positive impact on cognitive function. Studies have shown that singing can improve working memory, attention, and executive function, which are all critical components of cognitive ability. This may be due to the fact that singing requires us to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously, such as remembering lyrics, staying in tune, and keeping rhythm. This type of multitasking can help to improve cognitive flexibility and enhance neural connections in the brain.
Finally, singing has been shown to have therapeutic benefits for a range of physical and mental health conditions.
For example, it’s has been shown to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and depression. It has also been used as a form of therapy for individuals with speech and language disorders, as it can help improve vocal control, articulation, and fluency.
All this means singing is not only a fun and enjoyable activity, but it also has a powerful impact on the body and brain. Singing can improve physical health, enhance emotional wellbeing, and boost cognitive function.
So, the next time you feel like belting out your favorite tune, go ahead and sing your heart out – your body and brain will thank you!