The surprising benefits of singing (and how to get started)

From supporting lung health to soothing an anxious mind, singing offers a gentle, accessible way to care for your wellbeing – no perfect pitch required

Think about the last time you sang. Maybe it was a stifled hum as you waited in line at the Post Office, or, maybe, a full-blown sing-along on your last family road trip. However it happened, chances are it felt good and, it turns out, there’s plenty of research to back up that singing hits the right note for both the body and mind.

Singing is one of those things that we often do instinctively, in our happiest – and hardest – moments. It shows up at weddings, funerals, stadiums, and in lullabies, yet, for many of us, the idea of intentionally using singing as a tool for our wellbeing can feel a little unfamiliar, or, even, a touch vulnerable.

From supporting lung health and easing symptoms of anxiety, to building connections and creating an outlet for self-expression, singing has a lot to offer, regardless of whether you’d describe yourself as a ‘proper singer’. Because, as it turns out, you don’t need to be any ‘good’ for it to have a positive impact on your health.

The benefits of belting out a tune

Whether you’re going a capella in the shower or auditioning for a local choir, singing can do a whole lot more than just lift your mood in the moment. One review of research into singing, published in 2018 in the Journal of Voice, found that for those living with lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), singing can strengthen respiratory muscles and improve lung capacity. The same paper found that people navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or aphasia have also seen real improvements through singing interventions.

The research revealed an emotional dimension, too; singing has been shown to positively shift our emotional states, and even support neural changes in the brain, meaning it may help ease symptoms of mood disorders and dementia. And while simply listening to music is lovely in its own right, studies suggest that actively singing brings even greater benefits – so perhaps it’s time to clear your throat, and really go for it!

According to Chris Ambrose, a psychotherapist and coach who regularly uses music and singing as a therapeutic tool for clients, singing is a natural tool for turbulent times. “People will hum, sing along to songs they love, or return to particular pieces of music during difficult periods, because it helps them process and regulate emotion.”

Singing can be especially helpful during periods of heightened stress or anxiety. “Because it involves breath, rhythm, and vibration, it can support regulation of the nervous system, and bring the body out of a heightened state,” explains Chris.

What makes singing unique as a coping mechanism, though, is that the voice is something you carry with you at all times. “Unlike other instruments, it is always accessible,” says Chris. “That means it can become a portable coping strategy – something people can use outside of therapy whenever they need comfort or release.”

This probably explains why singing has long been a tradition associated with emotionally significant moments, like weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies. But more than that, singing offers an expressive act for when words aren’t enough, and can be especially valuable for neurodivergent individuals – helping with focus, regulation, and expression. It also combats isolation, with group singing or simply singing at home, providing connection, and a mood boost.

Many forms of singing also offer a social element, with one 2025 research paper, published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, finding an association between choir participation and reduced depressive symptoms. And those who took part in choir singing over a lifetime even reported improved memory and verbal fluency.

Getting started with singing

While singing clearly has plenty of benefits, it’s normal to feel a little apprehensive about connecting with your voice. “Singing is exposing, because it is very personal,” says voice and identity coach Tommy Ludgate. “Our voice is a portal to who we are on the inside. How we sound says so much about how we are on any given day.”

But finding ways to connect with your singing voice, even in private, can have a positive impact on how you feel. “In my experience, the most exposing times in sharing my voice have given me the strongest moments of connection,” says Tommy.

While you may not want to sing in front of others, singing for yourself, even in a quiet moment alone in the car, can connect you to a sense of self that isn’t accessible through other means.

This is particularly relevant when we live in a world packed with expectations around how we should look, act, and sound when we interact with others. Singing, then, can be an avenue for freedom of expression.

For those who aren’t sure where to start, Tommy says that exploring your voice in a group setting can feel safer than going solo. “You gain a sense of belonging that is an innate human need, and many voices sharing one message creates a ripple of impact. Finding a local choir or singing circle, or building a wellbeing choir with your team at work, is a great way to get started,” she says.