There are many benefits to the power of singing, but one of the biggest highlights is the fact that you don’t need to be a professional to receive the benefits. Sing in the shower, the car, the subway…anywhere and any how. No matter how much or little practice you’ve had, when it comes to singing you light up the pleasure center in your brain (the nucleus accumbens) and release the mood-booster known as Dopamine.

So let’s give it a try:

1. STOP.

2. BREATHE: Take a breath. On the exhale notice how you feel.

3. SING: Once you notice the emotional sensation you are connecting with, begin to allow sound to flow. This could be a few simple sounds, such as an open vowel (“ah,” “o,” “ei,” “ooh”), or even the first song that pops in your head. The first sound that flows out is the right answer.

4. Keep the sound going and recognize the good feeling in the belly and the chest.

5. Once you stop, notice the changes in your heart, body, mind and soul.