Singing is an age-old form of merrymaking, available to everybody from kings to humble peasants. It was used to record history when writing was yet to be invented. It is used as a form of entertainment, education, or stress relief. Singing has many different effects on the brain, bringing up memories long forgotten, or emotions that have been repressed. It has also been proven by psychologists in numerous studies that music is therapeutic.
Sing for Yourself
Ever had that feeling where you’re unhappy and just need a little pick me up? Chances are, you’d seek out your favorite songs for comfort, or songs that relate to your mood. Why is that? Because music is known to affect your brain’s chemistry, reducing the stress hormone cortisol, and releasing oxytocin, one of your “happy hormones.” Studies even showed that memory reliant activities like singing helped delay the onset of cognitive problems such as dementia. The good thing about this type of therapy is that it can be done anywhere and at any time. From your bathroom to music bars to a karaoke joint, you can sing your blues away and have fun “when the mood hits you,” as Shrine would say.
Sing with others
The benefits of singing aren’t just limited to brain chemistry. It is also known to help boost social confidence and build self-esteem. Singing in a group helps improve communication skills and gives each person a sense of purpose. It can also distract you from your troubles when you need a temporary escape. After all, it’s difficult to focus on your problems when you have to wire your brain up to sing your own lines, in your own pitch and timber, while hearing your fellow choir members sing theirs. The idea that your voice is an integral part of something much larger than yourself can give one a sense of satisfaction because, in a choir, every voice is important to provide satisfactory performance.
So you see, singing is not just there for entertainment purposes; it is also an essential for the development of the self. It is essential for your everyday coping. To put a new spin on an old phrase, “When life gives you lemons, sing about it.”
