Sing Yourself Happy and Fit

In 2011, two musicians invited people who regularly came to see them perform on weekends at a small tavern to come the next Tuesday night for something different. That night, the musicians greeted people at the door with music and lyrics to popular songs, taught the different voices their part(s), like a choir teacher would, and ended the evening by leading them in a rousing performance. They recorded it and loaded it to social media.  

Word spread. Posts spread. Soon they were meeting in warehouses and other large empty spaces. The “choirs,” mostly amateurs, grew in cities throughout North America. The creators started to receive invitations to perform all over the world.  

Now thousands of everyday people show up, learn their parts and sing. That’s it, and they look like they are having the time of their lives.  

According to studies on the benefits of singing, they are:

The physical benefits

Singing is a form of exercise that engages various muscles in your body, including your diaphragm, lungs and abdominal muscles. It can improve your respiratory system, increase lung capacity and promote better posture. 

Mental and emotional benefits 

Singing releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting hormones. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Singing also stimulates the release of oxytocin, which promotes feelings of bonding and connection. 

Cognitive benefits 

Singing requires mental focus, memory and coordination. Regular singing improves these and other cognitive functions, the most important and impressive abilities the brain is capable of. 

Social benefits 

Singing in a group or choir can enhance social connections and a sense of belonging. It provides an opportunity to meet new people, build friendships and collaborate with others toward a common goal. 

Respiratory benefits 

Singing involves controlled breathing techniques, which can improve respiratory control and lung health. It can benefit people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 

The health benefits of singing are well-documented, and it’s free. If this sounds like something you’d like, find a choir at a church or civic group in your area.