At Sing out Sutton, we believe that everyone can sing, and that everyone should experience the wellbeing benefits of singing as part of a choir at least once. Group singing has incredible benefits for mental and physical wellbeing and is an incredible tool for improving quality of life, managing stress and connecting with others.
Thanks to research from leading institutions such as the Royal College of Music, University College London, The Royal Marsden, Asthma + Lung UK, The Sing Up Foundation and Tenovus Cancer Care, the science confirms what we've seen first-hand in our own groups: singing in a choir can have profound effects on mental health, social connection and even physical health.
In a study some of our founder members took part in, there was even a report of reduction of perceived pain!
Why Singing is Good for You
mental health benefits
mental health benefits
mental health benefits
- Reduces anxiety and depression: when you sing, oxytocin and endorphins are released, which help to reduce feelings of stress and tension.
- Boosts self-esteem: learning a new skill, improving as part of a group, plus the release of endorphins have shown to increase people's self-efficacy.
- Encourages mindfulness: singing is a full body and mi
- Reduces anxiety and depression: when you sing, oxytocin and endorphins are released, which help to reduce feelings of stress and tension.
- Boosts self-esteem: learning a new skill, improving as part of a group, plus the release of endorphins have shown to increase people's self-efficacy.
- Encourages mindfulness: singing is a full body and mind experience, and focusing on the song you are singing helps you leave your troubles at the door and distract your mind from negative thoughts.
- Helps emotional expression: singing is a powerful, non-verbal way to process and express your emotions.
social benefits
mental health benefits
mental health benefits
- Improves social bonding: singing together creates a deep sense of belonging, and has even been known to synchronize heartbeats.
- Combats loneliness: Singing is such an accessible activity, so an inclusive environment can help people build meaningful connections.
- Improves social inclusion: sharing a common cause like learning a new song can encourage teamwork and shared identity.
Physical benefits
mental health benefits
Physical benefits
- Supports lung health: singing improves breath control, strengthens respiratory muscles and teaches effective breath management - particularly beneficial for those with asthma, COPD or other lung conditions.
- Boosts your immune system: singing has been shown to increase levels of Immunoglobin A which supports immune function.
- Reduces stress
- Supports lung health: singing improves breath control, strengthens respiratory muscles and teaches effective breath management - particularly beneficial for those with asthma, COPD or other lung conditions.
- Boosts your immune system: singing has been shown to increase levels of Immunoglobin A which supports immune function.
- Reduces stress and inflammation: research shows singing has been linked to lower cortisol levels (your 'fight or flight'), which help the body to manage stress more effectively.
- Stimulates the vagus nerve: this nerve helps regulate heart rate, digestion and relaxation - leading to improved mental and physical health.
- Alleviates pain: can reduce chronic pain symptoms and people's perception of pain and decrease the need for pain medication.