Short Stuff: Does singing make you happy?

In 2008, Australian researchers asked choral singers how satisfied they were with their lives. The singers reported being so satisfied that, even after controlling for other variables, they were measurably happier than the general public. That finding is one piece of a growing body of evidence that singing — and especially singing in a group — produces real, measurable benefits for psychological and physical health. Josh and Chuck explore why this is, from the mechanics of deep breathing to the social bonding of a choir, and why you don't need to be good at it to get the upside.

The mechanics of singing and well-being

Singing, even alone, triggers a cascade of positive physiological effects. It is essentially an aerobic exercise: the deep, controlled breathing required to sustain notes increases oxygen in the blood and improves circulation. That kind of deliberate breathing is a core component of meditation and relaxation techniques, and spending an hour or so a week doing it — as choral singers do — has a direct calming effect. Josh describes a period when he was upset about politics and would put on his player piano and sing Billy Joel as hard as he could. "It really, really felt good and made a big difference in how I felt," he says. That is not just anecdotal: singing releases endorphins, and performing in front of others builds confidence. Even people who cannot sing