By Donna Easto
Since the beginning of humankind, individuals and cultures have turned to the power of music to heal, lift spirits, call up memories and strengthen communities. Music evolved from the sounds of nature and the natural cycles of life; the human voice was certainly our first instrument. The discovery of a Neanderthal flute seems to indicate that physical instruments existed more than 350,000 years ago. Original peoples understood and honoured the harmony that exists between mind and body; healers continue to use voice, drums, rattles and flutes in their practices. The Aboriginal people of Australia developed a unique vocal tradition. Songlines not only recount stories of ancestral spirits they act as critical navigation aids to landmarks, water holes, natural features and the night sky.
So, why does singing make you feel good? In short, it releases the hormones that boost your mood and make you happy with yourself. There are three principal hormones released when you sing: endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. It also releases oxytocin that is said to improve depression and feelings of loneliness. Research shows that singers have higher levels of an antibody that benefits the immune system and improved major muscle groups in the upper body.
Singing helps put more oxygen into your blood stream, a good thing if you’re recovering from a lung condition. The happy hormones also release anxiety and balance our emotions, they help beat stress and promote relaxation, improve mental alertness, memory and motivation. Are you the type that bottles things up? Try singing. It’s a great way to let go and express yourself (in an unthreatening way…it’s called emotion-focused coping). If you’re coping with chronic pain, studies have shown that singing might not only alleviate some symptoms, but also have an impact on the amount of pain relief medication used. One of the biggest boons to singing with other people is how it strengthens communities and fosters a sense of belonging. Group singing is a wonderful icebreaker.
If you’re looking for a way to release your “happy hormones” choose songs with positive and uplifting messages that cheer, energize and boost your spirits. They should have a catchy beat and be enjoyable to sing along with. In good weather, singing out of doors in your backyard or with a group in a community park is a great way to connect with nature…the original creator of music.
