06 Feb Singing Through the Winter Months

Winter in northern climates can be tough. Growing up in Canada, I came to expect a seasonal bout of winter depression, around February of each year. It was cold, it was dark, and it seemed to be lasting forever. I remember feeling a greater sense of loneliness, isolation, and lack of energy around that time. Before I discovered community singing, I dreaded the winter and spent most of it resisting the cold, hiding in my apartment, and dreaming of a tropical paradise.

It was through community singing that I came to appreciate winter, and learn how to navigate the cold dark months with a greater sense of ease and joy. Around the world, group singing has always been used as a common way of braving the darkest days of winter, especially in northern climates. Singing together has many proven benefits that are especially helpful in the winter time – from better mental and physical health and wellbeing, to increased energy and confidence, to a heightened sense of belonging and connection. Here are four reasons why group singing is so good for us in the cold, dark winter:

Connection and Belonging

Group singing is one of the most ancient and original “technologies of belonging” that humans have been using since the earliest times, possibly before speech itself. Singing together is a powerful way to connect with others, and a great way to reduce the negative effects of isolation and loneliness that are easier to feel in the winter months. Research has shown that this sense of connection happens on a biological level – that when people sing together in a group, their heartbeats actually sync up.

Better Mental and Emotional Health

Study after study has shown that group singing reduces stress and anxiety, and contributes to overall mental and emotional health and wellbeing. The act of singing releases endorphins (hormones that make you feel happy) and oxytocin (a hormone which lowers stress and creates bonding). Singing is even recommended for people with dementia, as a way of accessing memory and joy when speech is not always available. Singing together can help to combat winter blues, that are so common in cold northern climates.

Increased Energy & Physical Health

Singing is one of the most effective ways to increase blood flow and oxygen in your bloodstream, much like a good workout. Study after study has shown that singing helps with everything from increased lung capacity to reduced heart disease, boosting immunity and even a longer life span. In fact, it is believed that singing in a choir may be just as good for your health as going to yoga classes.

Building Community & Harmony

Singing together is a fabulous way of building community, of restoring our web of connection in a fragmented world. When times are tough, when we feel like the world is falling apart, singing together reminds us of our common humanity. When we come together each week for the shared purpose of singing and making new friends through song, we build bridges of acceptance, compassion, and joy. Regardless of musical background, we can all join our voices in song to create a more harmonious and thriving world.

At Sing for Joy, we welcome all voices and require no singing experience whatsoever – just a desire to sing with others. For more on the Benefits of Singing, click HERE. Come and sing your heart out…