Why Singing Together Makes You Feel More Calm and Happy? Here's the Scientific Explanation

JAKARTA - Have you ever felt that your mood suddenly became lighter after singing together? Whether it's at karaoke, at a family event, at church, or just singing casually with friends, this simple activity turns out to have a big impact on mental and emotional health.

Singing together is not just entertainment. A number of studies show that singing together can make a person feel more relieved, happy, and connected to others.

According to Alex Street, a researcher from the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, singing is a very complex activity.

"Singing is a cognitive, physical, emotional, and social activity that occurs simultaneously," Street said, quoted from the BBC website.

When singing, the brain works to remember lyrics and tones, the body regulates breathing, emotions are involved, and socially we connect with others. It is this combination that makes the effect of singing feel so strong.

Singing, especially in groups triggers the release of endorphin hormones that are related to feelings of pleasure and comfort. In addition, this activity also increases the hormone oxytocin which is known as the 'hormone of closeness'.

That's why after singing together, a person often feels calmer and more familiar with the people around them, even with people who were not very well known before.

Research shows that strangers can build a strong enough emotional bond after just one hour of singing together.

Singing also helps lower the level of the stress hormone cortisol. The long and controlled breathing technique while singing makes the body more relaxed, similar to when doing meditation or breathing exercises.

"The 'feel good' response can be seen from the sound that sounds brighter, a more relaxed facial expression, and a more open posture," explained Street.

No wonder many people feel their hearts are more relieved after singing, as if the burden of their minds were released along with the melody and lyrics of the song.

Interestingly, the emotional benefits of singing will feel stronger if done together than singing alone. This collective activity creates a sense of togetherness and equality, no one is more important or inferior, all are united in one song.

This is also used in the world of education and health. Group singing is used to help children learn to cooperate and manage emotions, as well as help patients with chronic diseases to continue to feel empowered.

"Singing makes people focus on what they can still do, not on their limitations," Street said.

Since ancient times, humans have always sung in various phases of life, ranging from lullabies, worship songs, songs of struggle, to farewell songs. Without realizing it, singing has become a natural means for humans to channel emotions.

"There is no coincidence that singing is present at every stage of human life. Our body and brain are indeed from birth responding positively to songs," he said.

In the midst of a fast-paced life, singing together can be a simple way to feel connected to yourself and others.

There is no need for a melodious voice or perfect technique. Just sing along, let go and let the music work. It turns out that singing together can make the heart feel more relieved and happy.