News Years Resolution: Why singing is good for your health
A good turn out for rehearsal !
Regardless of whether you are a singing in the shower type or you like to sing your heart out at karaoke, you will already know that there is something about singing which just makes you feel great. It may not be anything tangible, but you simply feel a sense of wellbeing and a physical sense of release when belting out the latest tune on the radio.
The benefits of singing are obvious to anyone who is a member of a choir. Many people come along simply to enjoy time with like-minded people, to relieve themselves of the stress of the day or to just have a great time. But why is singing so highly regarded and what is going on in our body when we sing?
A number of studies have been carried out in recent years to find out why we seem to love to sing so much. One study carried out by Graham Welch from the Institute of Education, University of London has indicated that the health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological.
“Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional wellbeing.”
Welch also highlights the importance of singing as a group activity, a viewpoint which is backed up by a study carried out by a Sidney de Han research project called Singing, Wellbeing and Health. This indicated that singing can counter feelings of sadness and depression.
These benefits are so well known that the Royal Brompton Hospital now offers singing sessions for those patients who are affected by emphysema and pulmonary problems and even for children with cystic fibrosis. Singing is also used in homes for the elderly to improve speech and posture while increasing their sense of wellbeing.
One surprising piece of research from the University of Stockholm has indicated that men and women actually received a type of “high” when singing. This rush of oxytocin is also released when a person is involved in sexual activity. It is clear that there is much more to singing that just producing a beautiful sound!
So with all of these important and exciting reasons to join your local choir, what is stopping you? There is bound to be a choir which is local to you whether you are in Wokingham, Bracknell or Bramley. Choirs are run in West Berkshire and North Hampshire, so you will always be able to find one which is local to you.
If you want to make friends, improve your wellbeing and increase your general health you should join a local choir. Come and join a singhealthy choir.