Just about everyone loves a good song. Whether you’re watching The X-Factor, The Voice, or Glee, or singing in a choir, a karaoke bar, the shower, your car, or on stage, there’s something almost magical about the combination of words and music. Actually, it’s more than magical. There’s a growing body of research suggesting that singing–especially in groups–has some very significant and positive physical and psychological benefits.
It’s An Auditory Pharmacy
Singing influences levels of several important hormones. It stimulates the release of endorphins, which are associated with feelings of pleasure, and oxytocin (also released during orgasm), which reduces stress and anxiety. It also appears to reduce levels of cortisol and cortisone, which has the effect of reducing stress. Oh, and you don’t have to be a professional singer–or even have any musical talent–to reap these benefits.
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