Why Does Singing Make You Feel Good?

By no means am I a gifted singer—honestly, I wouldn’t even call myself good—but I love to sing. 

In third grade, I tried out for the school choir. The auditions weren’t about talent; they were just about if you could memorize a song. I took that literally, and spoke the lyrics of “America the Beautiful,” by Ray Charles to my class—word-for-word—landing my spot with the elementary choir.

I wanted to sing, just not with my 8-year-old peers staring at me. I loved to sing and still do!

“There’s an increasing amount of evidence that singing releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – the ‘happy’ chemicals that boost your mood and make you feel good about yourself,” reported in Open North’s, 10 Reasons why Singing is Good for You. 

While the release of ‘happy’ chemicals plays a major role, there’s so much more to belting out your favorite tunes. Here are five reasons why singing can brighten your day and lift your spirits:

1. Improved Breathing and Relaxation

Singing involves controlled breathing techniques that help expand your lung capacity, slow your heart rate, and create a sense of calm. This deep, intentional breathing can ease tension and make you feel more centered.

2. A Sense of Connection

Singing with others, like in a choir or group, fosters a sense of community and belonging. Harmonizing and creating something beautiful together is uplifting and promotes a shared emotional experience. 

3. Boosted Self-Expression

Singing allows you to express emotions and thoughts that might be hard to put into words. It’s a creative outlet for releasing feelings and telling stories, which can be deeply satisfying and cathartic. 

4. Physical Vibrations of Sound

When you sing, your body feels the vibrations of your voice, especially in your chest and throat. These vibrations can feel soothing and energizing, creating a physical sensation of comfort and vitality. 

5. Confidence and Achievement

Singing requires practice and focus, and when you hit the right notes or perform a challenging song, it can give you a sense of accomplishment. This confidence boost helps you feel good about your abilities and yourself overall.

From physical perks like improved breathing and lower heart rates to mental boosts like feeling connected and expressing emotions, singing has an incredible way of lifting your spirits. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a great singer to enjoy these benefits.

Sing in your car, belt out tunes in the shower, or even speak the lyrics to get into a choir group—there’s no wrong way to enjoy the magic of music. Don’t let stage fright hold you back from experiencing the joy of making music with your voice.