On December 3, I set out on a pre-Christmas challenge — to post a tip a day we can collectively follow with the goal of making the world a better place.
Today’s suggestion: Sing a Song
‘Tis the time of year for caroling and choruses, on town greens, in churches, in subways and auditoriums. You just can’t escape. There is music in the air, everywhere.
The popularity of singing is on the rise. The number of TV contests devoted to choosing America's next greatest vocal act attest to that.
In August, 2013, Time published “Singing Changes Your Brain.”
In her brief article Stacy Horn reported that the number of adults singing in choirs has risen by nearly 10 million over the past six years and that there are over 270,000 choruses across the country.
She also reports that singing has been shown to have both a calming and an energizing effect on people. And that according to some researchers, you don’t even need to be any good to benefit from this activity.
Scientists are trying to discover exactly why the act of singing seems to impart such good vibes. It may come from the release of endorphins. [I note that the emphasis seems to be on singing with a group and not going solo.]
There’s a whole lot of singing going on this month. Maybe now is the time to lift up your voice and join in.
Google your town and a phrase like “community sing” or “carol singing” to see what is going on near you. Even if most of the holiday events have passed, there is always Christmas Eve. You can always start softly.
Ms. Horn is the author of Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness Singing with Others.
That’s it for today. “See you tomorrow.”
“All together now,” as the Beatles once sang. Let’s see how much good we can do over the next few weeks.
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