Ever since I was a kid, I have loved singing. Only recently did I take a look into why this is an amazing habit to have. Studies have shown that singing can improve many things in your body and mind, and don’t worry, how well you sound is not a factor. Whether you are in the shower and or in the car on your way home from school, here is why you should consider singing loudly and proudly. 

First off, singing is a stress reliever. The hormone behind stress is called Cortisol and, according to studies, singing lowers your levels of it. This is because singing often makes people feel good and release Endorphins. Endorphins are often known as the “natural pain reliever” and are often released in response to doing things that make us happy. Another reason is that singing often causes you to take deep breaths or control your breathing, which is very helpful for calming the mind.  

The release of endorphins isn’t only good for relieving stress but also for building up your self-esteem. No matter how you are feeling that day, a bit of confidence is always good, and singing can help with that. Not only because of the chemical reactions in your brain, but also simply because you are putting yourself out there. Whether someone is listening or not, you are using your voice and letting yourself be loud! 

Singing isn’t only going to improve your mental health, but also your physical health. As I mentioned before, it often causes you to have controlled or deep breathing, which also improves your lung function by strengthening the respiratory muscles. The increased oxygen intake and relieved stress also helps with your cardiovascular health. Additionally, studies show that singing can increase Immunoglobulin, an antibody that works against infections, which improves your immune health.  

While singing can appear to be a skill reserved for artists and Hollywood, it’s something any of us can do. You shouldn’t let fear or judgement stop you from doing this healthy activity. I hope the next time you hear your favorite song you decide to start singing along!