Do you want to be happier? Sing more! Happiness makes us sing; but research has found that singing also makes us happy. How so?
Studies like this one have discovered that the deep breathing in singing brings more oxygen into the blood, just like aerobic exercise does. Second, it releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals, in the brain. Third, the concentration required in singing distracts us from our problems and therefore reduces our stress. Fourth, learning new songs keeps our brains active and fends off depression. Fifth, singing in a choir gives a lift from social connection and working together with others. It also boosts confidence when singing in front of a crowd. One study put it like this:
“On average, choral singers rated their satisfaction with life higher than the public—even when the actual problems faced by those singers were more substantial than those faced by the general public…Also, the support system of being part of a group, and the commitment to that group that gets people out of the house and into the chorus every week…These benefits are a big component of why choral singers tend to be happier than the rest of us.”
If that’s what a choir of humans can do for us, think what a choir of angels can do for us! In Luke 2:8-14 we meet singing angels. They are the best ever choir, singing the best ever lyrics, of the best ever song, in the best ever way. Let’s hear them and join them and experience how singing makes us happy. Lift up praise songs to lift up God and to lift up your spirit.