Singing for Health

I am in a fun, laid-back (and actually surprisingly good) community choir, which started over 10 years ago and ran online through covid before coming back to in-person regularly rehearsals in 2023. .. albeit with some different members and even a new leader or two. Our wonderful choir master Mr Tim Armstrong-Taylor (Sing with Tim) recently asked me if I would write some words for him about the benefits of singing that he could share in some of his marketing materials.

I thought I would share it with you here as a little break from talking about food.

Singing is good for us – many people know that intuitively, but over the last few decades research has found many benefits to physical, mental and emotional health.

Biochemically, singing of any type causes our body to release a number of neurotransmitters, including some of the so called “happy hormones” most notably dopamine and endorphins. It also increases Ig A (part of our immune response) and when done for pleasure it has been found to also decrease cortisol levels – this is the stress hormone that is chronically elevated in many people and plays havoc with our overall health and wellbeing. Mechanically singing is way of adopting deep and controlled breathing. This has been shown to have numerous benefits including toning the lungs, improving blood flow to all peripheral tissues, and increasing antioxidants. It also has elements of mindfulness within it – you have to be in the moment and think about how your body is working / feeling / moving. It is an activity that requires focus but not stressful concentration. Mindful activities are known to decrease anxiety, improve concentration and sometimes even improve cognitive functioning

As well as the above, if you are singing in a group or choir there are the additional benefits of increasing social connection and interaction, and so decreasing loneliness and isolation, which are known indicators for long term ill-health.

For a more in depth look I would highly recommend the Dr Michael Moseley’s look at it on the BBC podcasts. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00107bq

Our choir keeps going strong 10 years on and I have built friendships, connections, stamina and lung power over that time. I am so pleased to be a part of it and will keep going as long as I and it, are around for me to do so.