Health Benefits of Singing

by Dinesh Sharma Aryal Banker

"Singing has physical benefits," Slater says. "When you sing, your posture and breathing is different to when you speak. It's like a sport. And just as in playing sport, singing promotes mental and physical fitness; it creates endorphins and it leaves you feeling uplifted and energised."

A physical activity involving the lungs and respiratory muscles, singing - and the increased control of breath that's associated with it - is believed to be beneficial for everyone, from expectant mothers (helping them to prepare for labour) to people with asthma, lung disease and respiratory disorders.

Asthma sufferer and Sing Australia member Lady Geraldine Currie, aged 85, says that singing has done her the world of good. "All my life I'd sung, and then for one reason or another, I didn't sing for a while," Lady Currie says. "And then I was diagnosed with late-onset asthma. I joined a singing group, and saw immediate benefits. Singing has improved both my lung capacity and my breathing. It's a wonderful social outlet too. I get an enormous amount of pleasure from singing - it makes you feel good."

STRESS BUSTER

The breathing techniques promoted by singing are also useful for counteracting stress. "Have you ever noticed that when you're stressed you hold your breath?" Professor Sharples asks. "Singing helps with stress relief, because it's very good for managing breathing, which helps with anxiety and panic. If you've ever tried to sing and be stressed at the same time, you'll find it's difficult."

"Singing and wellbeing is a new area of research, but it will grow," she says. "If you think about it, we sing at funerals and birthdays and all sorts of meaningful social occasions. It's an important part of how we socially connect. When you're singing with others, you're part of something bigger than yourself."