Why you need to add singing to your daily routine (even if you don’t think you’re that good).

Before I dove into my work today I had an urge to burst into song (not unlike me), so I recorded a cover of All By Myself. It had been running through my head all morning, which is weird because it’s very hard to feel all by myself with a house full of people chattering away. Anyway. It felt AMAAAZZZIIINNNNGGGGG. My next instinct was to understand why. 

Why does singing feel good? Does it just feel this good for ME? Or does singing have bountiful positive effects for everyone? Turns out singing is not just for Australian Idol hopefuls or shower divas. Here’s why:

A Melody for your Mood

It’s probably not surprising that singing has been positively correlated with wellbeing markers. Just like exercise, singing releases endorphins – those feel-good chemicals that can improve your mood and reduce stress. It can also reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. So singing is going to make you feel good too (not just me). 

Apparently, it’s also a powerful tool for regulating emotions. This study found that singing can help people cope with stress and difficult experiences. It’s also probably why I find myself singing instructions at my children when they’re not listening and my fuse is shortening. 

Improvising for Immunity 

Even more interestingly, in a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, researchers found that singing can have positive effects on our immune system too. They found that singing in a choir was associated with increased levels of antibodies in the participants’ saliva. Something to think about as we hit flu season this year?

Hmmm…. what about singing for wellbeing in the workplace?

Waltzing in the Workplace

Well, a study involving a group of call center workers who participated in a singing program for 10 weeks showed that the participants had improved well-being and reduced stress levels. Furthermore, research also shows that singing can be used as an effective bonding AND creativity tool. 

The ice-breaker effect study found that singing together in a group can increase creativity, as it fosters social bonding and increases group cohesion, which can lead to more innovative and creative ideas. So, technically karaoke should form part of your next team day. 

Right?

Perfect Pitch in Productivity

So that’s all pretty cool, but did you also know that singing might even help you be more productive? (or am I just trying to justify the amount that I sing at work?…)

Because singing requires you to take deep breaths and exhale slowly, it can help to improve your lung capacity and increase your oxygen intake. 

This is good news for our productivity levels because oxygen delivery to the brain can lead to improved cognitive function including enhanced attention, memory and decision-making. That explains why I feel even more “on” while I’m deep working after a singing sesh.

— Three Ways to Sing More —

Here are some ways you can incorporate more singing into your life:

• Do it solo. If you’re a weirdo like me, you can break into song in the middle of cereal aisle at Woolies OR keep the frivolity contained to your car, your shower or your house. Do a little diddy before you get into your first deep work sprint of the day!
• Do it at work. So many options. Thursday night karaoke, start an office choir, start R&B Friday’s back up again.
• Join a group. Scout out your local area for choral groups to join. My friends and I LOVE Pub Choirs and always feel elated after them – highly recommended!

So there you have it. SING. Literally anyone can do it and you don’t have to be good to experience all the benefits that come with belting out a tune. 

Yours in singing,

Evelina