WELLNESS
Rod Lowry Member, Wellness Committee ARTA
Many things in life make me happy: a morning walk, helping others, reading a good book, or quietly gardening.
Oxford Languages online defines joy as“ a feeling of great pleasure and happiness,” so joy is a step above just being happy. For me, joy is found when my children gather around and music fills the air. They sing and play the guitar— it’ s marvellous!
Wouldn’ t it be great if we could do something that gave us great joy and provided increased health benefits too? Well, I’ ve got just the thing. It’ s music, particularly the music we can make anywhere— singing.
From the days of my youth, music and singing have been a part of my life. I’ ve sung in choirs, at school with my students, and in congregations. I’ ve sung alone in my car or the shower. I’ ve sung along with familiar tunes on the radio or the silly ditties I made up as I went along. It’ s wonderful to discover that this long-term joy has also contributed to my well-being.
Ten Healthful Benefits of Singing
1. Relieves stress 2. Stimulates the immune response 3. Increases pain threshold 4. May improve snoring 5. Improves lung function
6. Develops a sense of belonging and connection
7. Enhances memory in people with dementia
8. Helps with grief 9. Improves mental health and mood 10. Helps improve speaking abilities
Source: healthline. com
26 | arta. net JOY