Want to Be Healthier and Happier? Science Offers an Unexpected Suggestion: Try Singing

Want to Be Healthier and Happier? Science Offers an Unexpected Suggestion: Try Singing

There are many ways to boost your health and happiness.

In addition to the formal forms of psychological therapy, including CBT and ACT and exercise and meditation, to name just a few, there also numerous less traditional and slightly more alternative, yet still science-based approaches well worth considering.

According to this Inc.com article by Jessica Stillman, singing is one you should try! If that sounds interesting to you then keep reading …

A wealth of research shows that hobbies are much more than a fun way to pass the time. They build resilienceboost creativity, and even improve your performance at work. And lots of personal testimony shows that stressed-out entrepreneurs in particular can benefit from disconnecting and coming back to their companies with fresh eyes. 

All of which makes for a pretty compelling case for having a hobby. But which hobby should you choose? That is, of course, an entirely personal decision based on your talents and preferences, but if you’re looking for a few ideas, science has an unexpected suggestion: try singing. 

Sing together…

It should be noted straight from the outset that studies show basically any artistic pursuit, no matter how bad at it you are, will help you get in the zone, disconnect from your worries, and reduce stress. So why is singing special? 

Firstly, it’s often social. We sing with others in a garage band, church choir, or local chorus. Raising your voice together in this way isn’t just an activity like any other that helps you meet new people, it actively helps you form closer bonds with those new acquaintances, according to research. 

“We did a study comparing novice singing classes with novice hobby classes in terms of how much these activities produced feelings of social bonding. Singing produces a massive hit of endorphins, and that makes you feel very bonded to the people with whom you’re doing it,” University of Oxford evolutionary psychologist’s Robin Dunbar has explained. 

… or sing alone. 

But singing isn’t just a form of emotional glue that helps bond us to others…

… keep reading the full & original article HERE