Singing for Health and Wellbeing
Some thoughts from North London Chorus
Who hasn’t felt the buzz of singing their heart out in the shower? Studies have shown that singing can relieve stress, stimulate the immune response and promote mental wellbeing.
Singing releases endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, all of which give us a feeling of happiness and positivity. And because of the controlled breathing required to sing, the lungs expand, which can help with chest problems and even long Covid.
When you sing in a choir you exercise multiple parts of your brain and body. Mental alertness and memory are stimulated through reading music, processing lyrics and learning to sing in harmony with others. This in turn raises self-esteem and builds a sense of belonging. It’s like being part of a team.
Many people badly missed their choirs during the Covid pandemic and campaigned to be allowed to start up at the first opportunity. During lockdown, regular rehearsals online brought members of North London Chorus together to sing, listen to music together and maintain their long-established spirit of community; now they’re back to live rehearsals and performances, and welcoming new members again.
So many people now recognise the positive impact of choral singing. Why not find your voice in your local choir? You’ll soon be singing a happy tune!