Key takeaways
- Singing may offer physical benefits, such as better lung function, decreased snoring, and increased pain tolerance. Mental benefits may include a sense of belonging, reduced anxiety, and more.
- Singing can be part of music therapy. Other forms of music therapy may include listening to music, playing instruments, and dancing.
- To start singing more, you could consider attending a live music event, joining a choir, following online singing lessons, or just going for a drive and singing along to the radio.
People love to sing. Whether or not they can carry a tune, people seem to understand that there’s something positive — something healthy — in the act of raising their voices in song.
In fact, there’s solid scientific evidence to prove that singing is, in fact, good for your body and your mind.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how singing can benefit your physical and mental health, and how to use singing as a form of therapy.
Decades of research have shown that singing individually and in groups is good for you on many levels.
Here, according to science, are 10 key benefits of raising your voice in song.
Stress relief
Singing appears to be a stress-reliever. A 2025 study on the effects of choir singing on mental health suggests it may evoke rich emotional responses through pathways such as stress hormones. Although research into this shows inconsistent results.
A small 2023 study involving 34 people tested the effects of group chanting and vocalizations on stress and cortisol levels.
It found that both vocal and silent chanting led to significant reductions in cortisol levels. Self-reported anxiety reduced the most for vocal chanting.
Another small 2023 study of 36 older adults in Japan found that choir singing reduced cortisol levels more significantly than playing a strategy game called Go.
There’s a small catch, though: Cortisol may only go down if you’re singing in a place that doesn’t make you anxious. High stress settings, such as live performances, may increase stress markers.
Stimulates the immune response
A 2025 article on music therapy and cancer treatment suggests music therapy, which can involve singing, may have positive effects on immune function. It may reduce stress-related activity in the body, which may influence treatment outcomes.
An older
Listening to music without singing along reduced stress hormones but didn’t stimulate the body’s immune system.
More research is necessary to understand exactly how singing can affect immune system biomarkers.
Increased pain threshold
When you sing in a group, whether it’s a large choir or a smaller group, the act of collective singing causes your body to release endorphins. This hormone can help promote positive feelings, and even change your perception of pain.
In a
A 2019 review examined the effects of group singing on pain intensity in people with long-term health conditions. The researchers found that singing reduced pain measures in most studies, but highlight the need for more research.
Decreased snoring
Regular singing may change the way you breathe, even when you’re not singing.
According to a 2020 review, people who sing or play a wind instrument may have a lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea and snore less than people who don’t.
The researchers conclude that singing may be one of the most favorable interventions due to practicality and accessibility. However, more research is necessary.
Better lung function
Because singing involves deep breathing and the controlled use of muscles in the respiratory system, it may be beneficial for certain lung and breathing conditions.
For example, a 2022 review concludes that singing may benefit respiratory muscles and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
While singing doesn’t treat or cure COPD, you may benefit from gaining strength in your respiratory muscles.
A sense of belonging and connection
When you sing together with others, you’re likely to feel a sense of camaraderie and bonding.
According to a 2025 study, group singing may improve well-being in international university students, potentially helping foster a stronger sense of belonging.
A 2026 study suggests choral singing may also help rebuild safety, story, and connection in people who have experienced traumatic events.
Enhanced memory
A small 2025 study suggests choral singing may improve episodic memory and positively influence brain networks related to memory in older adults.
Singing may also benefit memory by:
- acting as a mnemonic cue
- reducing the risk of dementia
- helping to preserve certain memories in people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease
Helping with grief
Singing in a group doesn’t just help you with physical pain; it may also help with the emotional pain you feel after you’ve lost someone you love.
In a 2019 study conducted among people with grief, researchers found that for those who sang in a choir, depression symptoms didn’t get worse over time, and their sense of well-being remained stable.
In fact, the choir singers felt a gradual improvement in their self-esteem during and after the 12-week study. Those in the control group who didn’t participate in the singing intervention didn’t report this benefit.
Researchers concluded that group singing may be a good option for people who need additional support during a time of grief.
Mental health and mood
Researchers in a 2025 study highlight an association between choir singing frequency and reduced depressive symptoms.
A 2023 study found that group chanting helped to reduce self-reported anxiety levels. The researchers suggest that directing thoughts toward the vocalizations may help divert thoughts away from intrusive thoughts and habitual stressful thought patterns.
The need for a change in breathing patterns may also play a role, potentially causing feelings of relaxation.
Improving speaking ability
Research suggests musical processing is associated with grammatical and phonological awareness. Higher levels of musical interaction, including singing, from a young age may help children develop language skills.
A 2019 study suggests a person’s singing ability may also correlate with their ability to fake an accent when learning a new language.
Throughout history, philosophers, physicians, artists, and therapists have encouraged the use of music for its many health benefits.
Besides singing, other forms of music therapy can include:
- playing an instrument
- dancing to music
- listening to music
You don’t have to be good at singing, dancing, or playing music to reap the benefits, which include:
- lower stress levels
- better pain management
- improved mood
- improved memory and learning
- greater social connectedness
Not sure how to start? Here are some ways to warm up:
- Take a meandering drive — just you, the road, and the radio.
- Jump in the shower, where the acoustics are superior, and sing all your favorite tunes.
- Sing with your kids. You’ll make memories you can all cherish.
- Try a music festival. Some offer group sing-alongs as part of the event schedule.
- Look for a local chorus, choir, or song circle and find out when you can join.
- If you want to sing more confidently before you join a group, book a lesson or two with a singing instructor.
- For free singing lessons, check out the many coaching sessions on YouTube.
- If you’re interested in music therapy to help you cope with a health condition or recover from trauma, seek out a certified music therapist near you.
Research has shown that singing can be good for you on many levels. It may help lower stress, boost immunity and lung function, enhance memory, improve mental health, and help you cope with physical and emotional pain.
One of the best things about singing is that you don’t have to be good at it to reap the rewards.
You can sing on your own in the shower or to your favorite tunes on the radio. Or, you can join a choir or singing group for even more benefits, such as connectedness and a sense of belonging.