Comedian Sindhu Vee and Michael explore the mood-lifting benefits of singing and its similarities to cannabis effects. Dr. Daisy Fancourt's research reveals singing boosts the immune system and aids in chronic pain treatment.
Singing can produce similar effects to cannabis, releasing feel-good hormones and boosting blood levels of endocannabinoids.
Research shows that singing in a choir can strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and relieve chronic pain.
Deep dives
Benefits of Singing for Health and Well-being
Singing has been shown to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance sporting performance. Research suggests that singing in a choir can strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and relieve chronic pain. Singing releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and boosts blood levels of endocannabinoids, providing a natural high and potential pain relief. Additionally, singing can enhance the immune system by increasing the production of immunoglobulin A, an essential antibody for defense.
Biological and Psychological Effects of Singing
Studies have revealed that singing can improve mood, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, and lower inflammation levels. Singing activates reward pathways in the brain, releases feel-good hormones, and reduces factors contributing to depressive symptoms. Singing also improves lung function, posture, and chronic pain, leading to overall well-being and mental health benefits.
Singing as a Potential Treatment Option
Singing has multiple beneficial effects on physical and mental health, including improved lung function, memory, and reductions in depressive symptoms. Singing stimulates various mechanisms simultaneously, such as boosting self-confidence, cognitive processes, and social bonding. It is suggested that singing could be prescribed as a part of social prescribing schemes to address mental health issues and chronic pain, offering a holistic approach to well-being.
Ever noticed how good singing makes you feel? In this episode, Michael is joined by comedian Sindhu Vee to embrace the joys - and health benefits - of singing on the top of your voice. He finds out all about its unique mood-lifting ability and how singing can produce similar effects to cannabis. He speaks to Dr Daisy Fancourt to find out about her research on revealing how singing can boost your immune system and how it could help treat chronic pain.
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