It is fun to sing alone, but signing with your friends is also healthy. The researchers have written many times that group signing improves your physical and mental health. It relates not only to music but also to what is happening in between the performances. The scholars discovered that singing and socializing with other participants have a positive effect on social and mental wellness.
Signing is communication
The research, carried out by the British scientists, involved 120 people, a third of which were treated for mental illnesses. During 6 months, they attended four 90-minutes singing sessions per week. The programme proved to have a major impact on its participants. Combination of singing and social interaction contributed to the sense of well-being, lasting for more than one day.
Moreover, the participants gained considerable support from other people. In particular, the participants mentioned that singing was a safe form of communication that enabled them to express their emotions in a friendly environment. Many of the participants who had used to suffer from anxiety during regular communication reported the improvement of their social skills and self-confidence.
Epidemic of Loneliness
Psychologists and sociologists have long ago realized that to feel well, an individual should realize he or she belongs to a group. Social isolation is the reason for many emotional and psychological issues: from mood swings to clinical depression. What is more, recent decades witness loneliness scaling up as epidemic. Since the 1980s, the proportion of adults who say they are lonely has doubled from 20 to 40%.
The analysis of 70 surveys, covering over 3 mln people, revealed that the socially isolated people are 30% more like to die than other groups of middle age. Due to mental health issues, such people show an increased level of stress hormone and a considerable decrease in the quality of life.
Another conclusion the scientists made is that loneliness can be contagious. When a person becomes lonely, he or she drops out of his social circle, forcing the others doing the same. The scientists were so astonished by this discovery that they immediately got down to the psychological aid programmes, intended to re-train people how to interact with the others. Such programmes include the groups of choir singing and karaoke.
So, why does signing help?
- You experience group cohesion when you are doing something together.
- You already have a topic for discussion you share.
- There are no expectations, pressure, or concerns about critique.
- The new social connections are established and there is a place for networking.
- The level of cortisol decreases.
- Singing helps to share your most intimate emotions.
- Music has an invigorating effect.
If you feel you are lacking communication and it weighs you down, join a choir to perform, go a night club, throw a home party. It will cheer you up almost immediately and will have a positive effect on your mental health. A small group of people, sharing your interests, and much music – what can be better?
Take care and enjoy your karaoke.
