The many benefits of singing
Here at Vocal Play Lab we believe in the power of SINGING! Especially the power of creating spontaneous music together in a community of other risk takers and curious music makers.
The human production of music brings with it such a wide array of physical, mental and social well-being benefits and over the years, there’s been a great deal of research done looking into the many benefits of singing.
Take a look at this incredible list! And reach out to us if there’s something you think we should add to this list!
Physical Benefits of Singing
Some of the physical benefits are singing are improved respiratory and cardiovascular health, moods boosted and stress reduction. Singing also enhances memory and cognitive function, and singing together fosters social connections (our favorite!) Singing engages a variety of muscle groups, particularly in the chest, abdomen, and back, providing a physical workout that can improve and support both our posture and balance. There’s also a release of endorphins when we sing which can be a natural pain-killer.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Singing
Singing can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and promote relaxation, leading to a sense of calm and well-being. The release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters like dopamine during singing can boost mood, create feelings of happiness, and reduce symptoms of depression. We’ve experienced first hand the impact of singing together as it has improved our memory, attention, and concentration on a variety of tasks. As we’ve recently heard people like Jacob Collier and Nick Cave share, music is what the world needs right now. We need to come together. We need to find the creative within ourselves and unleash our own voice.
Making music together with others in community can stimulate creativity and imagination and we think it’s a pretty positive thing to do with any spare time we have. We’re all about having fun over at VPL so it’s pretty awesome that singing is so good for us!
Social Benefits of Singing
Singing in a group can foster a sense of community, belonging, and social inclusion, combating loneliness and promoting positive relationships.
Although it’s invisible to the people witnessing or participating in music making, listening is one of the most important pieces of singing. Wouldn’t it be incredible if we could all improve our listening skills and feel safe to truly express ourselves? Singing allows for creative expression and can boost confidence in using one's voice, which can translate to improved communication in everyday situations.
At Vocal Play Lab, we work to provide a safe space for participants to sing, share and express themselves and we believe that singing can be an incredible catalyst for growth and healing, especially if you are experiencing grief, trauma, or illness.
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We are a bit biased about the impact singing can have on your life so we encourage you to do some research of your own.
*Pursuit 8 Feb. 2023
