London: A new study has revealed that singing in a choir can be beneficial physically as well as physiologically, so this Christmas season guess everyone will join their respective choir to uplift their health.
Reportedly, an online survey of 375 people, which was carried on solo singers, choir singers and team sports players, found that all three activities yielded high levels of psychological well-being, but choristers were benefited the most.
The poll found that choral singers also regarded their choirs as more coherent or “meaningful” than the sports players viewed their teams.
According to Oxford Brookes University’s Nick Stewart, who led the study the research suggested joining a choir could be a cost-effective way to improve people’s well-being.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Clinical Psychology in New York.
Moreover it has also been proven that singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing in choir has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being, and it gives an increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavor.”
Regular exercising of the vocal cords can even prolong life, according to research done by leading vocal coach and singer Helen Astrid, from The Helen Astrid Singing Academy in London. “It’s a great way to keep in shape because you are exercising your lungs and heart. Not only that, your body produces ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins, which rush around your body when you sing. It’s exactly the same when you eat a bar of chocolate. The good news with singing is that you don’t gain any calories!
Bjorn Vickhoff, who led a study at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden into music and wellbeing, also believes that singing has positive effects on your health. The study showed how musical structure influenced the heart rate of choir members. “Singing is good for your health. Our research indicates that it may even be good for your heart. Further research in this field is much needed, such as the long term effect of choir singing.”