Singing can change your brain chemistry

Scientists have often been interested in locating identifiable biochemical reactions attributed to singing.  Why does it feel so good to sing?  And why do people in vocal choirs experience such elation, and a calming yet energizing effect?  According to Chorus America, 32.5 million adults in the US are in choirs and this number is up by almost 10 million from 6 years.

In a paper on the implications for the evolutionary function of music, it's shown that "singing, dancing and drumming all trigger endorphin release (indexed by an increase in post-activity pain tolerance) in contexts where merely listening to music and low energy musical activities do not."  The study authors concluded that "it is the active performance of music that generates the endorphin high, not the music itself."

While another study showed that there was more cardio-physiological fitness for professional singers, compared to amateur singers, as there was a more trained "heart-brain connection."  After studying the 8 amateur and 8 professional singers for four months of singing lessons, they noticed elevated levels of oxytocin in all of them.  This could certainly be a contributing factor to the well being experienced.

It is thought that heart rates sync up during group singing and, so, it is like a form of group meditation.

It doesn't even have to be good.  One study suggested that group singing “can produce satisfying and therapeutic sensations even when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality.”

The physical effects from vibrating your body are palpable and measureable.

http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/16/singing-changes-your-brain/

Image Credit: https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/instruments/singing-and-vocal/