Singing in choirs and bands during festive and everyday events brings not only emotional satisfaction, but also significant health benefits. Research by the Cambridge Institute of Music Therapy has shown that choral singing helps the body fight diseases, relieves pain and strengthens the immune system. At the same time, simply listening to music does not produce such effects.
Physiologically, singing activates the vagus nerve, which is connected to the vocal cords and throat muscles. Controlled exhalation while singing helps release endorphins, which reduce pain and improve mood. At the same time, a wide network of neurons in the brain responsible for language, movement, and emotions is activated, and focusing on breathing helps relieve stress.
Singing in a group or choir is especially beneficial. It improves psychological well-being, promotes socialization, and helps people with various illnesses. Choir classes are used to restore speech in stroke patients, people with Parkinson's disease, and dementia. Studies show that articulation and vocabulary in Parkinson's patients improve with regular singing.
Vocal exercises also provide cardiopulmonary exercise comparable to walking on a treadmill, and long-term practice helps restore cognitive function in the elderly. A famous example is former US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who, after a gunshot wound to the head, regained speech and coordination by singing familiar songs.
Thus, singing is not only art and entertainment, but also an effective method of maintaining physical and mental health, restoring the brain, and improving the quality of life.
