Singing Karaoke -
All Natural and Guaranteed to Make you Smile
Singing karaoke allows us to express in whatever way we wish.
To sing makes us feel happy and enlightened. IF you have ever tried singing karaoke you will know that when you hear the applause
at the end of your song that it gives our self esteem and self confidence a tremendous boost. For some, singing karaoke goes
far beyond that. It is a refuge amongst friends that have accepted you and because of this, for some, has even given
them a greater sense of self worth.
Psychological
Benefits of Singing Karaoke
As already stated, most of us have never really stopped to think of the benefits of singing karaoke, medical or otherwise. The psychological benefits of singing karaoke are the ones that come along inevitably with the participation, whether we are singing
or watching others participate. We receive these benefits not through our conscientious efforts to attain them but as naturally
as our gift of sound itself. Music soothes us, excites us, moves us and through this all our emotions are at work.
Our emotions dictate and express how we feel about situations, others and ourselves. As discussed in 'Medical Benefits of Singing Karaoke', we discovered that singing releases endorphins that give us a feeling of 'well being'. This is one of the
reasons why most of us hum, whistle or sing at every opportunity. It makes us feel good! Karaoke gives us the
opportunity to not only feel good but to make others feel good as well. Singing is a great way to both give to ourselves
and to others through the benefits of singing.
Socialization
Every day we deal with the mundane or the stressful routines of our jobs and our lives. Our lives in many ways have become far too serious and in need, of those benefits of singing
karaoke that it has to offer.
Originally the Japanese concept of karaoke was not necessarily for the singing aspect alone but
the fact that their whole culture is based on 'working together'. Socialization and group interaction
was a very large focus as karaoke was never done individually but rather in groups.
Belonging
and Acceptance
The
sense of belonging and acceptance is one of the basic human needs (Maslow 1943) One of the psychological benefits of
singing karaoke fills this 
need as there is a strong community spirit among this group. Even if you are a first timer in a karaoke club you
will be cheered on and applauded as if you were a regular. You walk away feeling like you belong and in turn this makes
you feel accepted. Our self esteem is a little stronger as we walk off the floor with a nervous smile on our faces.
Often times we have been told by someone that we 'sound terrible' or that we can't hold
a tune. This is similar to being told that our teeth are crooked or our smile is lopsided. We soon don't want
to show our smile...or our singing talents. In the karaoke community, even though there is a very strong following of
regulars who are very capable singers, there are also people who come out to sing that are far less capable. But they
know there is an acceptance, they will be applauded, they will smile, they will have fun and they will want to do it again...and
again ...and again. The magic strikes. We don't know they are there and aren't aware when they happen
but the benefits of singing karaoke magically appear.
Giving to Ourselves
It's the hidden powers of karaoke. The
benefits of singing karaoke being the self esteem, self confidence and even self worth that it gives us.
I know for myself, I can have the lousiest day or most stressful week and an hour or two of karaoke with my 'community'
and I feel like a million bucks. Bring on the world! It energizes me. I have been accepted, my self esteem
has been boosted, I have been applauded and my self 
confidence is even stronger and as far as self worth goes...well...I can honestly say that that has improved as well.
People often feel that they are not good at anything but as they gain confidence and feel the acceptance of their peers, they
feel they ARE good at something (or something else) and how that makes them feel about themselves makes all the difference
in the world.
The great thing about karaoke is that
while we are sharing with others, we're not only reaping those benefits of singing karaoke but also sharing those benefits
with others and they in turn give back to us. Others sing and feel good, we listen to their offering and smile (feel
good) and often times singalong (endorphins = feel good, remember?). After they are done we applaud and they feel even
better (self esteem and self confidence are soaring). The benefits of singing karaoke have come full circle.
