Singing For Better Health

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Do you want to improve your mental health? Then join a choir. Research shows that choral singing is associated with well-being. You don’t need to be a great singer to enjoy the benefits. You can participate in a choral singing team and enjoy physical and mental health as well as to social well-being.

Credit: Peter Pryharski

Physical health advantages

You have to do some physical activity while singing. You have to sit or stand straight and breathe deeply from your diaphragm to create music. You need to project your voice using the upper body, neck, jaw, and face muscles. All these approaches can help you to release tension from your body. These activities also help you to improve your posture. By signing, you can strengthen your muscles in your palate and throat. It may help you to reduce snoring and sleep apnea.

Credit: Nick Karvounis

While singing you have to practice deep and rhythmic breathing which can strengthen your lungs. The increased flow of oxygen can stimulate the circulatory system and brain nerves. You can gain a more regulated heart rate and stable blood pressure. It is also helpful to maintain mental alertness and cognition. Singing can be a good therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

Singing also can generate beneficial hormones in your body. It can reduce the stress hormone and increased antibodies which can strengthen your immune system. It also brings neurochemical changes that are associated with pleasure.

Credit: Larisa Birta

Mental health advantages

According to research singing can improve your mood and reduce depression and anxiety. It reduces the need for mood-altering medications. Patients with serious mental health disorders like schizophrenia, psychosis, or bipolar affective disorder can practice singing to improve communication, participation, and social engagement.

Credit: Clem Onojeghuo

You can practice choral singing to improve your self-esteem and confidence level. It is associated with a higher sense of community. It also can improve your communication skills and develop your social network. Even though you have no formal musical training or skill, you can enjoy such benefits.

You can enjoy some benefits through singing in a group. But some benefits are available through solo efforts. Whether you are singing solo or in a group the benefits are enormous. It will increase the sense of well-being and peace of mind.