Does singing (in the rain or otherwise) really make you happy?
In the United States, choral singing is the most popular of all arts-related participatory activities. Across the country, 28.5 million people regularly sing in one of 250,000 chorus groups. It's a group activity that seems to stand the test of time better than others, and there may be a very good reason why: Singing has some effects that other participatory activities don't.
It has become pretty obvious in the last couple of decades that singing has special draws. Regular people all over the globe are addicted to karaoke singing. And many of those people can't even carry a tune. Bars use it to draw customers on slow nights: People will come if they can sing for a crowd. People will watch others sing for a crowd, too -- "reality" competitions like "American Idol" and "X Factor," two of the most popular shows in the United States and around the world, respectively, are all about singing.
Of course, some of the competitors on those shows can actually sing really well. It's clear why people are drawn to them. But what's the draw for somewhat-less-talented singers to belt out a tune? Why the huge interest in karaoke? Why all the singing in the shower, in the car, in the chorus? Does singing make people happy?
In this article, we'll find out what effect singing has on mood, outlook and general psychological health. We'll look specifically at choral singing, which is where the most recent and surprising research has been done. Apparently, choral singing, whether with a church, city or private group, really does make people happy.
The physiological effects of singing are fairly well-documented. For those who doubt its power, just look at songbirds: When male songbirds sing to female songbirds, it activates the pleasure centre of the male's brain. In fact, scientists have discovered that the effect of singing on the birds' brains is similar to the effect of addictive drugs on human brains. But there's a caveat. That effect doesn't happen when the birds are singing alone.
As it turns out, singing's effect on humans has a similar caveat.
The simple answer is yes. Singing is fun and there are so many benefits associated with singing. It’s good for you physically, mentally and socially. When you sing, your mood changes. You focus on the task at hand and your level of stress diminishes. Your feeling of wellbeing increases as does your self esteem.
Physically, singing is good for your health. When you sing you are encouraged to breathe more efficiently. Your lungs and facial muscles get a workout. Your vascular system is stimulated by the increased exercise. Your posture is improved and there is an argument that singing can help with depression and anxiety through the release of the bodies endorphins.
Singing brings people together. Joining a singing group like a community choir enables you to meet with like minded people and share the joy of singing through the group. Singing provokes emotions and promotes creativity.
Singing is a joyous activity. As well as being good for you it also broadens your horizon and enriches you, making you happy and adds zest to your life.
If you sing in the shower or out home along to the radio, consider taking your talents to new heights? Search your local community for choirs or church groups where you can develop your singing in a safe and comfortable environment.
Singing does indeed make you happy. It stirs your emotions and uplifts you spiritually. Being part of a singing group or taking lessons for fun can increase your overall energy and vigor. This can only help when confronted with life’s most stress-filled situations.
So what are you waiting for? Get started. An experienced vocal teacher can help you on your way as well as connect you with like minded people and community groups. If you’ve joined gyms in the past to make you happy, and quit as we all often do, try joining a vocal group. Your posture will improve. Your abdominal and chest will develop. Your tone production and breath control will be increased.
