Surprisingly, singing can boost your mental health

Kailey Krantz | Staff Writer

Singing may be a daunting task for students, as some may claim they can’t sing or they’re worried about embarrassing themselves; however, singing could be exactly what we need during hard times. 

The simple act of singing can regulate our heart rate and calm down our nervous system. Our bodies release oxytocin, the love hormone, and cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases when we sing. 

It was shocking to find out the mental health benefits of singing since I’m a student with a passion for musical theater – I already sing or hum to myself on a daily basis.

It’s one of the reasons that I connect with music in the first place and I know other music lovers agree.

Music is an art form, and expressing your emotions through music can help students understand their emotions and figure out a solution to ease their troubles. 

Whenever I feel upset, anxious, or overly emotional, I go to Spotify or YouTube and listen to songs from my favorite artists like Lady Gaga and Victoria Monét or listen to the soundtrack of my favorite Broadway musicals to get those emotions out of my system.

Students could have their favorite music play in the background while doing their assignments or they could listen to music after finishing their work to celebrate completing their tasks.

I also connected with this discussion, as singing can be used as a coping mechanism when dealing with fear and anxiety. For example, I listened to music to calm my nerves while I was waiting in line for one of the haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights 32. 

Singing connects us because there is a song written for every emotion we go through in life, whether that be heartbreak, loss, stress, friendship, happiness, and more, making students relieved they’re not alone. 

My musical bond was with Gaby Danger, one of the radio broadcasters for The Roar, when I sent in two song suggestions for her show on Halloween night. 

Not only were those songs played, but my fears seemed to have vanished when she played two other songs I recognized right afterward. 

It’s the seeking and joining of other voices that make singing a great bonding experience with friends and strangers alike. 

When we sing together with friends, we’re not worried about getting all the notes right. We’re mainly focused on having a good time. Jamming out to your favorite songs is part of the fun.