As I write this, the winter holiday season is in full swing. For some, it’s a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But for others, the season carries weight—a heaviness that can feel impossible to shake. If you’re in the latter group, you’re not alone. And if you’ve let go of singing during this time, I’m here to remind you why that might not be the best idea.
Our passion for singing is more than a fun hobby or creative outlet. It’s a coping tool. A lifeline, even. It has the power to elevate us, center us, and remind us of who we are at our core—especially during life’s rough patches.
When we’re feeling down, motivation has a sneaky way of disappearing. The very things that once brought us joy, like singing, start to feel like a chore. And the less we do the things that make us feel alive, the harder it becomes to find any spark of energy or inspiration. It’s a vicious cycle: we feel bad, so we stop doing the things that make us feel better, which only deepens the bad feelings.
But here’s the truth: singing through the tough times isn’t just something you can do—it’s something you must do.
Singing Changes Your Energy
There’s science behind why singing feels good. It releases endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, and can even regulate your breathing, calming your nervous system. But beyond the science, there’s something magical about using your voice to create sound. It’s a visceral, human expression that connects you to your emotions and lets you release them in a way words often can’t.
Even if your heart feels heavy, the act of singing can be a reminder that you are alive, that you have power, and that you’re capable of creating beauty, no matter what life throws at you.
Singing Reconnects You to Joy
When life feels hard, joy can seem like a distant memory.
But singing has a way of bringing it back, even if only for a moment. Whether you’re belting out a power ballad, humming a favorite holiday tune, or singing a lullaby to yourself (yes, to yourself), those notes carry more than just melody—they carry hope.
Joy doesn’t have to feel monumental. It can be as small as hitting a note that feels good or letting out a deep breath after a heartfelt chorus.
How to Sing Through the Tough Times
If you’re feeling low and unmotivated, the idea of singing might feel daunting. That’s okay. You don’t have to turn on the stage lights or aim for perfection. Here are a few gentle ways to reintroduce singing into your life when it feels hard:
- Start Small: Hum along to a favorite song while doing dishes or taking a shower. No one has to hear it but you.
- Pick Uplifting Songs: Choose music that makes you feel a little better, even if just by a degree. Nostalgic tunes or guilty pleasures are great for this.
- Sing Your Feelings: Let go of the idea of sounding good and sing what you’re feeling. Sadness, anger, frustration—whatever’s there, give it a voice.
- Join Others: If you can, find a group to sing with—a community choir, a church group, or even just a friend over Zoom. Singing with others can amplify the benefits and remind you that you’re not alone.
Let Singing Be Your Anchor
When times are tough, it’s easy to let go of the things that ground us. But that’s when we need them the most. Singing isn’t just about performance or achievement; it’s about connection—to yourself, to others, and to something bigger.
So this holiday season, no matter how you’re feeling, let singing be your anchor. Let it remind you that even in the hardest moments, your voice has power, and you have the strength to carry on.
Because if you’re not singing through the tough times, you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful tools life has given you.
Absolutely agree. This is a very good article. Going through sad memories, extracting the essence and meaning of events, building my human identity – all this can be made through the songs. Even fulfilling dreams. Supposing I would like to meet someone, like in a cafe but it is not possible. Somehow, writing a song about it made me… quite satisfied.
Agreed! I look forward to hearing your song about the cafe meeting!🤗