Česky
Group living has proven to be a key tool for the survival of the human species. On the other hand, it has created room for interpersonal conflict. Music performed during various social activities - from spiritual to sporting - helped to maintain group cohesion. The experience of our ancestors with the benefits of communal singing for both individuals and society is confirmed by many scientific studies.
Benefits of singing for mental well-being
Improves mood
Active singing has been shown to improve our mood and sense of well-being more than passively listening to music. This is probably related to the increased release of neurochemicals such as endorphin, dopamine or serotonin. Singing itself plays a role here, but also the feeling of belonging to others in the case of choral singing.
It reduces stress, helps to bridge difficult periods in life
Perhaps everyone has heard about the positive effect of breathing exercises on stress. Did you know that singing is also a breathing exercise? Especially if you're practicing songs with long phrases. The relaxing effects of singing were confirmed by researchers in a 2017 study by observing that the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the saliva of participants clearly decreased after singing (in a non-stressful environment).
Another 2019 study confirms that choral singing helps to cope with challenging life situations, such as the loss of a loved one. Thus, choral singing can be classified as a coping strategy that helps people overcome difficult periods in their lives.
It brings a sense of belonging
In his pyramid of human needs, American psychologist Abraham Maslow lists the need for acceptance and belonging. If we do not have this need met, we languish. When we sing with others in the choir, we begin to feel connected to them, much like the players on the same sports team. In a 2014 study of 375 participants, Oxford researchers showed that those who regularly sang in a group with others felt more at ease and more connected to others than those who sang solo. This effect is attributed to the hormone oxytocin, which is released specifically during activities we do with others.
Benefits of singing for physical health
Improves respiratory function, relieves snoring
When we sing, we breathe deeply, which strengthens our breathing muscles. Therefore, it is probably not surprising that singing improves respiratory function, increases lung capacity and can also increase oxygen saturation in the blood. Even people with lung diseases such as COPD or asthma can benefit from singing. Singing can also serve well as a breathing rehabilitation after a bout of pneumonia.
It is the influence of breathing habits that contributes to the fact that people who sing regularly snore less. This is confirmed especially by the wives of singers.
Regulates heart activity
Interesting observations are that group singing together not only synchronises the breathing rhythm of the singers, but also their heart activity. Reducing the variability of the heart rhythm then has a positive effect on our health.
Stimulates the immune system
Singing has been proven to stimulate the immune system. This is due to the aforementioned reduction in the level of the stress hormone cortisol and, in turn, the increase in the level of immunoglobulin A in the blood.
Increases the pain threshold
Whether we sing in a small or larger ensemble, we experience a release of endorphins. These not only improve mood, but also raise the pain threshold. However, this effect is attributed to the social bonding of people rather than the singing itself. The same effect has been observed when drumming or dancing together.
Improves memory
Members of choirs confirm that learning new songs improves their memory. Scientists have even shown that singing songs learned in their youth helps people with memory problems recall memories from their lives.
Alternatives to choral singing
We can try singing on our own, but we will miss out on some of the positive effects mentioned above associated with singing in a group. Playing wind instruments can also have positive effects on our breathing. Other leisure activities in the group, such as sport, also help to satisfy the need for belonging and improve social bonds.
The most common myths about singing
"People think they can't sing. But very few of us are without musical hearing."
Most often people think they cannot sing or do not have a musical ear. Realistically, there are few people without musical hearing in the population, with research suggesting anything between four and seventeen per cent. Our vocal apparatus is naturally designed not only to speak but also to sing. So much more than our actual disability, we are limited by our own negative beliefs, often rooted in childhood and adolescence. The assumption that choirs only accept trained voices is also wrong and common. On the contrary, most amateur choirs welcome additional members from the general public.
An easy activity for all
In short, singing in a choir is a time- and money-saving, easily accessible hobby that has a positive effect on our mental and physical health, and can be pursued even in old age.
Sometimes we go "all over the world" looking for techniques that bring us peace of mind. Then I have to smile a little when we find them - in the form of traditional, often mundane activities such as singing - right under our noses. I personally recommend: Look at what brought joy and inner strength to your great-grandparents, maybe you'll find some inspiration for yourself there. Mine, by the way, met in the Pernštýn-Ludmila-Suk choir.
Source.
