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Something happens once worship begins on a Sunday morning. There’s an energizing, yet soothing feeling that rises when the choir raises their voices in harmony. Hymns and gospel music can have that effect on us, the rhythms and lyrics can be both pleasurable and also therapeutic.
In fact, science has proven that music can be healing to both the body and the mind. From soothing grief and alleviating stress to enhancing overall wellness, the melodic and spiritual elements of gospel music can help us feel good mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Rooted in centuries of tradition, hymns and spiritual songs have long served as powerful tools for both emotional comfort and physical rejuvenation for Black Americans. We’ve historically used hymns to communicate, to celebrate, to overcome grief, and to worship. Singing and listening to praise music can still impact our lives in powerful, healing ways. For instance, we may hum and rock the body when hearing and singing gospel music. These techniques are often used in therapy to self-soothe and calm the mind.
There’s also a sense of community bonding that’s felt when we lift our voices together as a church or a choir. Group singing, like when done on a worship team or in a congregation, causes the body to release oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone.” Gospel can create a heightened sense of inclusion and connection, which can be very helpful when going through a time of grief.
In addition to lyrics that uplift the spirit and lead to positive feelings, the rhythms and sounds of gospel music itself can be physiologically healing. Music with a low tempo can help the body and mind relax, which can in turn lower heart rate and blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for people with anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain. Meanwhile, something with a faster beat like that found in a lot of praise songs can raise your heart rate and make one feel more energetic.
But if you really want to feel the healing effects of music, you better sing out! Opening your mouth to sing can be more beneficial to your health than simply listening and swaying while the choir or your playlist does its thing. A 2004 study found that those who sing out loud have higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that helps you fend off infections and illness. Simply listening to the music alone won’t stimulate the body’s immune system the way singing can.
Further studies show that the stress hormone cortisol is lower after singing, meaning we feel more relaxed and less depressed, anxious, and fatigued. Singing, drumming, and dancing are also rooted in gospel traditions and can trigger the release of endorphins, the hormones that relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve our overall mood.
Gospel music just makes us feel good. Studies of the neuroscience of music and singing find that music can have a profound impact on our emotions and also have a surprising impact on physical health. The next time you open a hymnal and lift your hands in praise, pay attention to how you feel. These hymns may be healing you from the inside out.
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The post Hymns for Healing: The Science of Singing and Healing appeared first on Elev8.
The post Hymns for Healing: The Science of Singing and Healing appeared first on Get Up! Mornings With Erica Campbell.