The Science Behind Singing: Why It’s Good for Your Mind, Body and Soul (Even If You Think You “Can’t Sing”)

Let’s be honest: not everyone believes singing is for them. Maybe you were told you were “tone-deaf” in school. Maybe you only sing in the car when no one’s listening. Or maybe you love the idea of singing but feel too self-conscious to give it a real go.

Here’s the thing though—science says singing is incredibly good for you. And not just for trained singers. For everyone. Even if you think you “can’t sing.”

In this blog, we’re diving into the real, research-backed benefits of singing—from brain chemistry to breathing, to why it just plain makes you feel better.

1. Singing Boosts Mental Health

Singing literally changes your brain chemistry.

When you sing, your body releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals including:

• Endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers),

• Dopamine (the “reward” hormone), and

• Oxytocin (linked to bonding and trust).

A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group singing significantly improves mood and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. Even more interesting? The participants didn’t need to be good singers to get the benefit.

Another study by Clift & Hancox (2009) showed that choir singers consistently reported better mental well-being than the general population.

Bottom line: Singing lifts your mood and supports mental health, no matter your skill level.

2. Singing Reduces Stress and Regulates Emotions

Singing calms the nervous system. It engages your vagus nerve, which helps regulate your stress response.

Research from the University of Frankfurt showed that singing—especially in groups—lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. That means singing can help you feel more grounded, relaxed, and emotionally balanced.

Even humming or singing softly to yourself can slow your heart rate, deepen your breathing, and settle your thoughts. It’s like a natural reset button.

3. Singing Improves Physical Health and Breathing

Singing is exercise. Not the sweaty gym kind—but real, physical work for your lungs, core, and even your posture.

Regular singing has been shown to:

• Strengthen respiratory muscles and increase lung capacity.

• Improve posture (you naturally stand or sit taller when you sing well).

• Support heart health through deep, rhythmic breathing.

A 2004 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine even found that singing can benefit people with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD by improving oxygen intake and breathing control.

And for those recovering from illness or looking to build resilience? Singing helps re-engage the breath-body connection in a powerful, healing way.

4. Singing Builds Confidence and Self-Expression

If you’ve ever watched someone come alive when they sing—you’ve seen this in action.

Singing taps into parts of ourselves that don’t always get much airtime: creativity, vulnerability, courage. It can be nerve-wracking at first, but that’s part of the magic. Over time, singing helps build:

• Self-esteem

• Confidence in using your voice

• A sense of personal agency

And the science backs this up. Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that participants in community singing programs felt more confident and reported stronger self-identity and emotional resilience.

5. Singing Creates Connection

One of the most powerful effects of singing is how it brings people together.

A 2015 study in Royal Society Open Science showed that singing in a group triggers faster social bonding than other group activities. In other words, choirs bond quicker than book clubs.

That’s why group singing has long been part of human culture—from lullabies to laments to stadium chants. It’s a shared language that goes beyond words.

But What If I Can’t Sing?

Let’s address the elephant in the room.

You might be thinking: “Okay, sure, but I can’t sing. I’m tone-deaf.”

Here’s the truth: only around 4% of people have true amusia—a neurological condition that affects pitch perception. The vast majority of people who think they can’t sing are just untrained. Singing is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned. 

In fact, a 2012 study from Northwestern University showed that with just a bit of practice, people who previously struggled with pitch were able to improve significantly.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing.

In Summary…

Singing isn’t just for the talented. It’s for the tired, the stressed, the curious, the hopeful, and yes—even the sceptical.

It helps us breathe deeper, feel better, connect more, and express ourselves in ways we didn’t know we needed.

And the best part? You already have the instrument—you were born with it.

So maybe today, you’ll hum a little tune. Tomorrow, maybe a full song. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.

References:

Bonilha AG, Onofre F, Vieira ML, Prado MY, Martinez JA. Effects of singing classes on pulmonary function and quality of life of COPD patients. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2009;4:1-8. Epub 2009 Apr 15. PMID: 19436683; PMCID: PMC2672787.

Clift, Stephen & Hancox, G.. (2009). The significance of choral singing for sustaining psychological wellbeing: Findings from a survey of choristers in England, Australia and Germany. Music Performance Research. 3. 79-96.

Hutchins, Sean & Peretz, Isabelle. (2011). A Frog in Your Throat or in Your Ear? Searching for the Causes of Poor Singing. Journal of experimental psychology. General. 141. 76-97. 10.1037/a0025064.

Kreutz G, Bongard S, Rohrmann S, Hodapp V, Grebe D. Effects of choir singing or listening on secretory immunoglobulin A, cortisol, and emotional state. J Behav Med. 2004 Dec;27(6):623-35. doi: 10.1007/s10865-004-0006-9. PMID: 15669447.

Livesey, Laetitia & Morrison, Ian & Clift, Stephen & Camic, Paul. (2012). Benefits of choral singing for social and mental wellbeing: Qualitative findings from a cross-national survey of choir members. Journal of Public Mental Health. 11. 10-26. 10.1108/17465721211207275.

Pearce E, Launay J, DunbarRIM. 2015 The ice-breaker effect: singingmediates fast social bonding. R. Soc. open sci.2: 150221.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.