Health benefits of singing

by: Rosie Jolly

What do we know about the health benefits of singing?

Many of us experience feeling euphoric after a good old sing. I know I do.  Why? because studies have shown that singing releases Serotonin and Dopamine (happy chemicals) which enhance our mood and play a key role in reducing stress and anxiety. Whilst you may be aware of this already, are you also clear about the other recognised benefits that singing has on our health and wellbeing?

It is well documented that singing has a number of wider health benefits many of us have perhaps even not considered. For example, it helps to improve lung function, as it increases overall lung capacity and if you suffer from high blood pressure, singing is clinically proven to lower blood pressure. Singing introduces more oxygen into your blood, whilst the movements of singing give you a good workout.  

The anonymity of singing with a group also helps to build confidence and self-esteem, and has   the added advantage of boosting memory cells, supporting memory function and therefore reducing the risk of dementia. I believe that being part of a choir gives one a sense of belonging, the feeling of being part of a community. Singing provides a combination of things all through the one activity. It gives you the freedom to express yourself, it lifts your spirits and calms your soul. For those of us young at heart but feeling the effects of the aging process, singing is also cited as having pain relief benefits as well.

So, next time you are singing in the shower, or with the Costa Blanca Singers or even singing along in the car to your favorite tune, you’re doing something really positive with added health benefits.

Perhaps we should call for doctors worldwide to start prescribing ‘singing on prescription’?

What a happier place the world would be!