There was a time a few years back when I felt isolated and a little bored — so I shelved my concern about being anything but “musically gifted” and joined our local Community Choir. After just a few weeks I found myself bonding with all sorts of people beyond my usual circle. My spirits soared and my heart opened as we sang joyful, inspirational songs calling for compassion and justice. Singing in the choir has so expanded and brightened my life, I couldn’t resist seeing if it offered documented health benefits. Sure enough, there is a body literature explaining just why we feel so good when we sing together — and I don’t need to remind regular readers how happiness and whole-body health support your bones. Here’s the data…maybe it will encourage you to sign up and sing along! Documented health benefits of singing in groups: These are just a few high notes — but personally, I wouldn’t miss a practice, and concerts are magically uplifting. Why not give singing a try and let me know your checklist of benefits! References: Beck, R. J., T. C. Cesario, A. Yousefi and H. Enamoto (2000). “Choral Singing, Performance Perception, and Immune System Changes in Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Cortisol.” Music Perception: An Interdisciplinary Journal 18(1): 87-106. Kreutz, G., S. Bongard, S. Rohrmann, V. Hodapp and D. Grebe (2004). “Effects of choir singing or listening on secretory immunoglobulin A, cortisol, and emotional state.” J Behav Med 27(6): 623-635. Johnson, J. K., J. Louhivuori, A. L. Stewart, A. Tolvanen, L. Ross and P. Era (2013). “Quality of life (QOL) of older adult community choral singers in Finland.” Int Psychogeriatr 25(7): 1055-1064. Stewart, N. A. J. and A. J. Lonsdale (2016). “It’s better together: The psychological benefits of singing in a choir.” Psychology of Music. Clift, S. M. and G. Hancox (2001). “The perceived benefits of singing: findings from preliminary surveys of a university college choral society.” J R Soc Promot Health 121(4): 248-256.
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