"SINGING regularly with others makes you happier, according to Australian research which suggests choristers have a better quality of life than other people. The survey of more than 100 choral singers in Australia, Germany and the UK is the latest to point to the benefits of music on health. It found that while people who join singing groups tend to be less healthy than the average person, they are in fact happier.
"They're actually much more satisfied with their health overall and their life in general than everyone else,'' said Professor Don Stewart, head of public health at Griffith University in Queensland. "It's quite a remarkable find really, and quite inspiring.''
...Prof Stewart said the act of singing had been proven to have physiological benefits, stimulating circulation, improving lung function and releasing endorphins that boost mood. Some scientists have suggested it also strengthens the immune system by increasing concentrations of immunoglobin A in the blood. But Prof Stewart said if the benefits were physical alone anyone could get them from singing in the shower, and that is not the case. "It's very much about the act of togetherness, the importance of being involved with others gives people this strong sense of connectedness and wellbeing we think,'' he said. "It seems to be quite a powerful effect.''
This is particularly encouraging following tonight's choir rehearsal and the personal knowledge we have that this is a proven witness in the lives of our own seniors who we are privileged to journey with.
Exodus 15:1 (MSG) ~ "I'm singing my heart out to God—what a victory!"
