Sing your stress away

Sing your stress away

Examiner.com >

Sing your stress away >

August 29, 12:16 PM >
Debbie Mandel >

Whether singing in the shower, the car, with a choir or a small child, “sound therapy” is linked to health benefits for body and spirit. Since ancient times singing has been considered a healing tool especially chanting and we all know that countries have created national anthems to generate patriotism. Sound can influence brain wave frequencies and promote well-being by doing the following: >

* Reduce stress and improve mood>
* Lower your blood pressure>* Boost your immune system>
* Improve breathing>
* Reduce perceived pain>
* Improve a sense of rhythm>
* Promote learning in children>
* Forge comforting memories>
* Promote communal bonding>
* Provide comfort>
* Motivate and empower>

Medical research >

Ongoing research in alternative and complementary medicine is examining the healing role of singing regarding chronic pain management. Research published in the Journal of Music Therapy in 2004 claimed that group singing helped people to cope better with chronic pain. In many senior centers singing as a memory trigger is being studied, intellectually for slowing down mental decline and emotionally for building self-esteem. For example, Alzheimer’s patients who can no longer carry on a conversation are able to sing all the lyrics to songs from their past! >

It all begins in infancy because singing to children provides a pathway in the brain for sensory stimulation. Not only does it set the stage for fun, but their brains are stimulated and open up to new sensations. And the best part is that you don’t have to have a good voice – they love the sound of your voice – what an ego booster!>

Then of course you might be talented, take voice lessons and sing in a choir to earn professional kudos. In an impressive study, scientists from the University of Frankfurt in Germany tested the blood of people who sang in a professional choir before and after an hour long rehearsal of Mozart's “Requiem.” Concentrations of immunoglobin A (antibodies) - and hydrocortisone (a stress-reducing hormone) increased during the rehearsal. In contrast, the following week when they asked members of the choir to listen to a recording of the “Requiem” without singing, they found the composition of their blood did not change significantly. The conclusion: Singing boosts the immune system while it reduces stress.>

The take home message: Listening to music is great, but singing makes you an active participant. We are so stressed with busyness that we hardly sing with friends or with our children. The next time you feel tense, worried or afraid, try singing a happy tune. You will note that your mood and performance will improve. Bonus: You don’t have to have a good voice - just do it!.>


See Original Post: http://www.examiner.com/x-2211-Self-Help-Examiner~y2009m8d29-Sing-your-stress-away

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http://dreamlearndobecome.blogspot.com This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.