When was the last time you belted out a complete song from start to finish? .. That long?
Try and get back into the habit. If you tend to get stuck in your head with thoughts running round and round: choose an uplifting song and go for it! Most people find it impossible to sing and follow an unrelated train of thought at the same time, which is a great opportunity to use singing as a circuit breaker for negative thoughts.
And do you remember all those breathing exercises that are meant to slow your heart rate and calm you down? If you sing, you automatically lengthen your breath and you don’t even have to think about it.
Also, singing increases the release of oxytocin, the ‘happy’ hormone. And, singing can activate your vagus nerve which then triggers a parasympathetic response, calming down your body and mind.
But really, the main reason is: singing is fun!! 🎶