Why is singing the ultimate act of self-care.

With many of us stuck at home, lots of us have taken up the opportunity to delve into some new hobbies during the pandemic. Knitting, flower arranging, painting, DIY, and fitness have all been trending on social media since March.

It makes sense to allocate some time each day that is just for you.

At times, it’s a lot easier said than done with the hustle and bustle of modern life, but making time to do what you want to do is really important for your mental health. Whatever you choose to do, be it meditate, jump rope, scream into a pillow, take a bath or even put on some moisturiser and lay naked on the bed for half an hour. Do it!

Whatever floats your boat.

It is worth the time out.

Promise!

One good thing about a virus floating around outside is that many of us have taken the opportunity to engage in Self-Care while being indoors. And why not sing?

Singing is a wonderful form of Self-Care.

I’m not talking about professional singing, sounding fabulous or even with the aim of taking to the stage. I am talking about uninhibited, self-esteem raising, singing-loud-and-proud-in-the-shower kind of singing.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider singing as the ultimate Self-Care practice and raise the roof no matter what squeaks and squawks of sound come out. If it feels good then you are gaining many physical and mental health benefits from singing.

#1 Singing improves your mood.

Want to get your happy on? Singing releases endorphins. The feel good happy hormone will make you feel energised and uplifted. Endorphins are associated with pleasure and a general feeling of wellbeing. What is not to love?

If you’re beginning to feel like you’re climbing the walls, beat the isolation blues and try carefree singing in the shower or sing to the houseplants for that feel good happy buzz. Not feeling confident enough to blast out a tune? Begin by singing to yourself around the house. Stick a playlist on with the aim to start quietly and build up to singing out loud.

Believe me, you’ll feel great for giving it a go!

#2 Singing improves your lung capacity.

Keep your lungs healthy, Corona free and in tip top condition. “Singing makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension.”*

So sing loud and proud in these tough times. When you sing you are practicing deep breathing which is so good for you.

Imagine gaining the benefits of going for a run, or a yoga session by blasting out your favourite tunes around the house?

Yes please!

Performing breathing exercises is great for lung capacity and keeping the lower deepest parts of your lungs healthy. Let’s be honest, with a virus that attacks the lungs, we can all benefit from keeping our lungs healthy.

Give it a go! Try some deep breathing exercises and vocal warm ups to improve your lung health.

#3 Singing boosts your immune system.

Say whaaaat? A study from the University of Frankfurt concluded that singing increased concentrations of immunoglobulin A; a protein in the immune system that functions like antibodies. A healthy body produces antibodies in an effort to protect us from infectious organisms, toxins, allergens and guess what else?

Yep, viruses.

We all need a little extra immune boost during these trying times so turn on the tunes and belt it out!

#4 Singing increases mental alertness.

Being stuck at home with the same 4 walls will do nothing for your motivation and mental alertness. Singing aloud increases blood circulation throughout your whole body, which includes super oxygenated blood flow to your brain. This will increase your alertness and concentration levels as well as aid your memory. So if you’ve been feeling a little sluggish, and struggling to focus while working from home, singing could be the answer. Winning!

#5 Singing reduces stress and anxiety.

When you’re singing without a care in the world, it’s difficult to think of much else. I urge you to think of the cheesiest, feel-good song you know and sing it out loud! You’ll be increasing your hydrocortisone levels (an anti stress hormone) as well as other stress busting hormones like oxytocin, all while experiencing the pure joy of uninhibited singing. I mean, why wouldn’t you?

I think it is fair to say that most of us will have experienced some stress and anxiety during the pandemic and being forced to stay at home. If you can feel better by singing, then why not give it a go.

If the neighbours complain, tell them its all in the name of Science!

Sing it loud, sing it proud and beat the Corona blues.