woman showering outdoors: picture: pexels
Did you know that your shower-singing habit isn’t just fun—it’s actually good for your health? Singing in the shower offers more than just great acoustics; you feel it when you come out of the shower that you not only feel clean but refreshed and in a good mood like everything is going to be alright.
Whether you belt out ballads or hum your favourite tunes, according to experts, the combination of warm water and music creates a perfect environment for relaxation and wellness. The Reflect publication states that scientists have studied the effects of singing on the body, revealing its benefits. Singing is said to decrease stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which have the potential to cause serious illnesses.
The above source adds that singing also increases dopamine, the hormone responsible for happiness, providing a sustained sense of joy. “When you’re singing long phrases, you have to take deeper breaths and let them out more slowly, increasing oxygen flow to the whole body. It also helps to increase antioxidants in the blood (to combat ageing and diseases) and reduces overall stress.”
The Incadence publication believes singing can improve brain functionality in elderly patients with conditions like aphasia and Parkinson’s disease, and also contribute to their emotional well-being by providing easy, affordable activities.
According to Sanctuary Bathrooms, singing in the shower is a full-body workout that increases activity and alertness. It is said to involve various parts of the brain, including sound processing, auditory-motor network behaviour, language production, and visual imagery. The publication adds that research has linked singing to better heart and mental health, especially for dementia patients. “Singing is an aerobic activity which improves oxygenation of the blood, cardiac function, breathing and alertness.”
Also see: Is your shower water ruining your hair? Here’s what you need to know