Taking a moment to sing, dance or move to music has been one of the most uplifting experiences of my working life.

It might only take one minute to calm the body and mind, bringing the energy and spirits up again.

Sometimes I’ll sing a few lyrics of a song playing at a restaurant or in my car or throw in a short dance.

For me, even a brief moment with music can help me feel less irritable and more cheerful.

Many people I meet at work are also smiling or dancing with me, mentioning how they appreciate the levity.

Some folks occasionally buy me a coffee to thank me.

It’s important to note that each environment is different, singing and dancing should be brief, the volume and intensity kept to a minimum, while people are working.

Research supports the value of shared musical experiences in some workplace settings.

In a study of health service staff in Ireland, Moss and O’ Donoghue found that workplace choir participation was associated with reported social connection, enjoyment at work, and staff engagement.

Although the study does not claim how a brief song or dance produces the same effects, it offers a useful perspective on how music can contribute to a more connected working environment.

This is how it works:

• Take a short break from work.
• Take a breath and keep an open mind about different types of music and dance.
• Engage with a song on your device, someone else’s or from memory.
• Sing or dance for a minute or two (though you will often not want to stop).
• Remember what you did and do it again as much as possible, especially at work.

It’s important to note that this process is not airtight.

There are instances where we cannot sing or dance, so patience is required.

If restaurants are busy when I deliver orders, staff and customers may not appreciate singing and dancing when they are preparing or ordering meals.

After all, we need to respect others and be professional.
It’s about finding the right time and place.

Singing normally works best when businesses are slow and a short break is feasible.

In fact, many restaurant staff have appreciated the light-heartedness after a busy dinner rush.

Music, dance and play help reset the physical and mental clock.

I have experienced a lower heart rate, calmer breathing, increased positivity and lower stress.

If you are considering playing a little at work but not sure about song and dance, try humming, listening quietly to music or just watching others sing and dance.

Make a powerful improvement to your day with a brief pause filled with song and dance.

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Sources

Moss, H., & O’ Donoghue, J. (2020). An evaluation of workplace choir singing amongst Health Service staff in Ireland. Health Promotion International, 35(3), 527–534. DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz044 [Online] Available: https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daz044 [Accessed October 19 2023]