What are you waiting for? Set up your kitchen disco today!

Singing is great for all of us. We don’t have to be good at it – singing is about feeling positive. Have you ever had a kitchen disco for one? If you haven’t, then read more about how belting out your favourite tunes can change the way you feel. 

The research 

Listening to music and singing along benefits humans in countless ways. In a worldwide study review, researchers discovered that arts, such as music, dancing and singing, can support people in expressing their feelings, controlling their emotions and reducing stress.^[1]  

Singing and listening to music can improve mental health, mood, motivation and wellbeing; when you can relate to the music you feel more confident in your own abilities.^[2,3] 

How does singing do this? 

• When we sing, chemicals that make us feel happy are released. These chemicals can help make you feel better about life, and yourself. 
• Singing is classed as an aerobic activity! When we sing, more oxygen enters the blood which can improve the mood. 
• When we sing, our lungs get used to their full capacity. This helps us breathe better and feel better. 

Group singing 

Many local singing groups now exist. British choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone spearheaded a mission to encourage people with no singing experience to sing in a choir. In his series, Singing for Britain, the emotional charge and connections brought by creating the choir were palpable. Malone's projects led to a national increase in people taking up singing, and in recent years, setting up home choirs during the pandemic.  

The powers of singing in a group go even further in boosting our cognitive, emotional and social growth. Singing in the company of others helps us to make connections with others. 

Try it at home first 

It can be nerve-racking to think about joining a group, so for now, concentrate on nailing your own kitchen disco. Draw the curtains, dance like no one is watching and sing like no one is listening. 

Oh! Did we mention that dance is an amazing cardiovascular exercise and totally counts as physical activity too? So, try to find your groove, it can help in your re-discovering who you are. 

References: 

[1] Fancourt D, Finn S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review [Internet]. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2019. (Health Evidence Network synthesis report, No. 67.) Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553773/ 

[2] Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68 

[3] Hargreaves, D.J., North A.C. (1999). The Functions of Music in Everyday Life: Redefining the Social in Music Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735699271007