Why Singing is Good for Your Body, MIND, and Spirit. Part 3 of 5

Did you know that all types of singing have these positive PSYCHOLOGICAL effects? Singing:

• Releases brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine - chemicals that act as neurotransmitters - that promote well-being, and oxytocin (the "cuddle" hormone), known to decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.

• Levels off cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and boosts immunoglobulin IgA, a major player in our immune system. (Singing Through Change, p. 22)

Requires deep breathing (a key to relaxation techniques), which gets more oxygen to the brain and into the blood for better circulation and a better mood, reduces anxiety, and improves mental alertness.

• Builds confidence and self-esteem as you experience success singing in front of others.

• Builds mindfulness. It helps you focus on something other than the cares/concerns of everyday life. “So much is going on in your body and mind when you sing that when you are singing you are fully focused on it. This allows you to ‘turn off’ your stream of consciousness and live completely in the moment, distracting your mind from negative thoughts, focusing on the sound, the action, the breathing, the feeling and the pleasure of song. Mindfulness has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing stress and increasing focus.” Singupfoundation.org.