There are things I know I ought to do: like a lot of stretching because I get so stiff and sore; and balance exercises (because I am really clumsy).
I have the desire somewhere inside me to do the needed exercises but it isn't strong so it goes ignored most days for months at a time.
I bet a lot of you are so much better at the exercise thing than I am.
But if you aren't, I've got the perfect exercise for you today and every day after for the rest of your life:
SINGING!
Yes, that is right -- Singing is actually great for you physically (and mentally, emotionally -- even spiritually).
If you know anything about the Bible you know we are told to sing often -- especially in the psalms:
"Sing to the Lord a new song" Psalm 149:1a
"I will sing to the LORD" Exodus 15:1b
"singing with thankfulness" Colossians 3:16c
Singing is good for you . . . Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, has studied developmental and medical aspects of singing for 30 years: "The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour."
All for One choir, one of our supporters, also advocates the importance of singing to help keep your heart healthy . . .
Regular exercising of the vocal cords can even prolong life, according to research done by leading vocal coach and singer Helen Astrid, from The Helen Astrid Singing Academy in London. "It’s a great way to keep in shape because you are exercising your lungs and heart. Not only that, your body produces ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins, which rush around your body when you sing. It’s exactly the same when you eat a bar of chocolate. The good news with singing is that you don’t gain any calories! Not only can it increase lung capacity, it improves posture, clears respiratory tubes and sinuses, and can increase mental alertness through greater oxygenation. It even tones the muscles of your stomach and back, that is if you’re singing correctly."
Singing even helps you live longer
It is a lot of fun too.
Remember when you sang into a brush while watching yourself in the mirror?
Do boys do that too? Or is it just girls? I did it constantly. I thought of myself as some glamorous rock star.
At SixWise.com they tell us that singing can:
*reduces stress and pain
*Help with breathing
*Helps brain function
*Helps asthma patients
*Better lung capacity
*Makes you just feel better emotionally
*Make a huge difference in nursing home residents' health overall.
Sing today. Sing tomorrow. Sing whatever you like.
And if you have a bit of courage, even upload it to Youtube and send me the link. I'll watch and sing along!!!!! Halleluia!