The Incredible Health Benefits of Singing (Backed by Science)

Singing activates a vast network of neurons in both hemispheres of the brain, stimulating the areas responsible for language, movement, and emotions. This, combined with the breath control required for singing, makes it an effective stress reliever. Street maintains that "the positive effects of singing manifest in more expressive voices, facial expressions, and postures." However, not all types of singing offer the same benefits. For example, singing in a group or choir fosters greater psychological well-being than singing alone. For this reason, researchers in the field of education have used singing as a means to promote collaboration, language development, and emotional control in children. Doctors are also using singing to improve the quality of life for those suffering from various illnesses. The effects of joining community choirs dedicated to people with dementia, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and stroke, as well as their caregivers, have been investigated by scientists from around the world. For example, it is known that Parkinson's patients have difficulty articulating, but their ability to speak improves when they sing.