Festive singing could help more than just your Christmas spirit!

The power of festive singing on your body

It’s that time of year when we gather together for a warm drink before hitting the streets, the local church, or the parish hall for a good old-fashioned bit of festive singing. No matter your favourite Christmas tune, there aren’t many of us that can avoid singing along to some festive classics, but did you know that this festive singing could do more for your mind and body than just letting you test your vocal cords?

No matter what music you love best, the benefits of music and singing for your body really are endless. Throw in a bit of dancing, and you have the perfect exercise routine that doesn’t even make you break a sweat. Listening to music and singing along to tunes you have a distinct memory of can be incredibly powerful and provide positive effects for adults and children of any age.

Even those with reduced mobility and physical health difficulties are still able to join in this festive singing pastime and, most importantly, reap the benefits it can bring. According to Age UK Mobility, “even just singing along to a song can help raise your heart rate, encourage faster breathing and stimulate your brain”. Previous studies have shown that singing for seniors can give confidence a boost, improve social interactions and reduce both anxiety and aggression, leading to drops in bouts of depression.

What the research says

A study conducted by BPS Medicine should that adults felt more relaxed, and tension was reduced after a singing session, supporting the body to feel comfortable and refreshed. The benefits of festive singing for your mental health It’s no surprise that music has evolved over its vast number of years, and with all the different genres now available, you would be hard pushed not to find something you like. For senior adults, listening to music that resonates with them, and their childhood can bring a sense of joy and nostalgia to their lives today.

Often, music can evoke a memory previously forgotten or a feeling of happiness that is imperative to senior living today. Music and festive singing can really be food for the mind as well as the body. Group singing, particularly at Christmas, can offer a sense of community and involvement to those who are feeling isolated over this potentially difficult period.

According to the British Association for Music Therapy, “music is something that we can all relate to regardless of age and is often central to a person’s sense of identity”. Group festive singing as part of a choir can bring people of all ages with a common hobby together, offering a chance to form supportive and friendly relationships that wouldn’t normally begin. Alongside releasing endorphins for your body, music can be used as a powerful tool to battle various illnesses in older adults.

Thanks to its ability to release dopamine, music and singing can help to reduce periods of depression, alleviate pain, and ultimately improve someone’s quality of life. Patients with Dementia and other memory-related illnesses have often recalled memories long forgotten through the power of music, and their processing speed has improved. seniors