As this is mental health awareness week, we thought it was important to let you all know how singing is good for your mental health. If you are already in a choir, you may already have found the positive effects of singing-coming out of a choir rehearsal with a little extra bounce in your step after a good sing with new or old friends. Here is some of the science behind that. 

1. When you sing you release endorphins (these can help with pain and are a mood booster) and oxytocin (this helps fight against anxiety and increase feelings of trust and bonding with others). 

2. Singing reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels, it stimulates the vagus nerve and can regulate your heart rate. 

3. Breathing when singing means you are often practicing the same techniques found in meditation and yoga.

4. Rehearsing encourages you to be present in the moment as you concentrate on one song, this can be helpful when you have a lot of other things going on in your life. 

5. Singing can help build confidence and self-expression in people of all ages. 

6. By building a community through choirs, we can create a sense of belonging. Making new friends is an amazing by product of singing. Research has shown that when people sing together their heartbeat begin to synchronise! 

7. Singing also keeps our brains sharp and focuses-by learning new songs and rhythms we can build new pathways in our brains. 

Do you need a mental health reset? Why not join us? If you are over the age of 22 and have not previously sung with the Glasgow Youth Choir, please still get in touch as we can recommend a suitable adult choir for you!