Not a few people like to sing. Apart from being fun, it turns out there are many benefits of singing for mental health. If you are curious and want to know more about this, let’s look at the following review.
Without realizing it, singing is a complex activity. This is because singing involves various areas of the brain, especially the parts of the brain that play a role in language, vocal and emotional functions. Not only that, singing also involves breathing techniques and heart rhythm.
When you’re sad, you may tend to want to sing a sad song with lyrics that express what’s in your heart. Likewise, when you are happy, singing songs with a cheerful tone is considered suitable for a cheerful atmosphere. In fact, singing is related to psychological conditions and mental health.
Benefits of Singing for Mental Health
Here are some of the benefits of singing for mental health:
1. Fight stress
One of the benefits of singing for mental health is that it can reduce stress. This has been proven through a number of studies which show that levels of the hormone cortisol or stress hormone in a person’s body can decrease after singing.
Apart from that, someone tends to feel more relaxed, happy, comfortable, relieved, and their mood improves after singing. This condition also applies to those who don’t really like singing in their daily lives.
2. Get rid of mood negative
Singing together, such as in a choir or singing with friends, is known to relieve and overcome mood negative, such as anxiety and sadness.
Several studies have also proven that people who join vocal groups or choirs experience improved mental health and can be prevented from mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
3. Reduce symptoms baby blues
Singing activities can help mothers who have just given birth to share their feelings and emotions and express themselves. Singing together in a group or community can even reduce symptoms baby blues.
4. Prevent dementia
Singing involves various functions of the brain and other organs, such as the ears and vocal cords. This turns out to have a positive impact on people who are being treated for dementia.
The activity of singing and playing musical instruments can actually stimulate the brain’s nervous tissue to work more actively. When singing, the brain will dig into memory to recite the lyrics of songs that have been heard.
For people with dementia, the realization that they are able to remember can provide hope and positive feelings.
5. Becomes an opportunity to socialize
Singing in a group or joining a choir can be a good way to build social relationships. In one study, children and adults who joined singing groups were found to have higher closeness and social awareness.
6. Increase self-confidence
Singing is a good activity to express yourself and express emotions. This is also useful in increasing a person’s self-confidence.
The researchers concluded that people who joined music groups, vocal groups, or choirs showed better mental health conditions. This is likely because the combination of singing and socializing makes them happier.
You don’t need to have a golden or melodious voice to get the benefits of singing for mental health. Anyone who wants to relieve stress and improve their mental health can do this positive activity.
Come on, from now on, try to get used to singing. If you feel embarrassed about singing in front of people, try singing alone in the bathroom or at home.
However, if the various benefits of singing for mental health do not succeed in overcoming the condition you are experiencing, don’t hesitate to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist so that you can be given appropriate treatment. Also make sure you don’t sing excessively so you don’t experience a hoarse voice without a sore throat.
