Module Two Lesson 17: Singing Is Good For You!

Transcription

Vocal Stressors – Physical and Emotional

Travel, late-nights, the unpredictability of venues, lack of sleep, and irregular diet are all stressors that affect a singer's health. Stressors that affect emotional wellbeing include constant competition, lack of financial security, strained interpersonal relationships, and, for the traveling performer, the lack of rootedness.


But the good news is...

Singing is REALLY good for you!

And it's the antidote to many physical and emotional stressors.

So let's talk about the health benefits of singing.

Health Benefits of Singing

Study after study shows that singing is great for your body, mind, and emotions.

Singing will:

* Exercise your lungs and heart
* Increase lung capacity
* Improve your posture
* And tone the muscles of your stomach and back (if you're using support properly)

Singing is also great for you, mentally and emotionally. It will:

* Increase your mental alertness through oxygenation
* And create a sense of well being by raising your endorphin levels

You've heard of the runners high? Well, you'll probably agree with me that the singer's high is even better.

When you sing with other people, the health benefits are off the charts!

Scientific studies suggest that singing with others can boost your immune system and even help you live longer. Singing in a choir lowers the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body while increasing the Immunoglobulin A antibody.

We're social creatures, so when we sing together, our overall happiness and wellbeing increase. One of the hormones released when you sing with others is Oxytocin, which increases feelings of trust and bonding and alleviates anxiety and stress.

Another study suggests that our heart rates may sync up when we sing together, creating an experience akin to group meditation.

So, when you're overwhelmed with the business aspects of music, and an over-full schedule, remember that singing is the antidote to all the stress you're feeling. Remember to get those endorphins going, and sing for the pure joy of it.