Singing has been a powerful form of human expression for thousands of years right across the world. Through times of joy and celebration or as an expression of love or at times of sorrow and loss. Singing has offered a means of deep communication and connection to a whole range of human emotions both individually and collectively.
Throughout the Pandemic and particularly when in lockdown, we witnessed people spontaneously singing arias from their balconies, or giving mini concerts from their living rooms and the whole emergence of international virtual choirs all aiming to lift the spirits through impossibly difficult times. Indeed, in this past week we have seen the people of Ukraine rise up in unity and solidarity through singing their national anthem with such passion and love in support of their Country.
It is estimated that some 2.14million people sing in choirs and in a recent census there were some 400 choirs in the UK alone. Advances in sciences have enabled us to throw further light on some of the benefits that can be gained from singing. Scans reveal that when we sing, both sides of the brain fire up and engage those neuropathways that involve highly sophisticated areas in the brain. Singing also helps in lowering the stress hormone cortisol in the body and boosting the immune system.
From professionals to casual singers, we are actively lowering our stress levels when we sing.
Studies consistently reveal that stress levels are lower after singing and levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that assists in fighting illness are increased. Singing can also help release endorphins which assist in raising our mood which also assists the immune system and promotes a general feeling of wellbeing. Additionally, when people sing in a group and as a community, the neurochemical oxytocin (love hormone) is released. Studies suggest that the increased sense of belonging, and connectedness also helps to improve general mental health issues.
But don’t worry if singing is not for you, the good news is that drumming, and dancing is also
beneficial. Recent research has revealed that drumming can increase healing, reduce stress and anxiety and release emotional trauma. Dancing also offers a means of releasing stress, improving and balancing the mood and increasing overall strength in the body.
So, these very human ways of expression could be indicating that there is a design need to engage in a number of healthy forms of individual and collective release to keep the mind, body and soul in balance and harmony.
Living Balances promotes a holistic approach within our programmes as a
means of releasing stress and improving our general mental health.
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