*This is a special series written by various Neihardt Scholars over the next few weeks.

Everyone has their own way of keeping calm or letting go of some stress. We’ve heard it all: exercise, hanging out with friends, keeping a journal.

Even lighting a candle can relieve some stress. However, another simple way to let go of some of the things keeping you down is to just let it out, that is, by singing.

“When you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape,” explains Time Magazine.

Singing lowers stress levels, and studies show it improves your mental health. Singing alone has its benefits.

However, the most advantageous way to sing is in a group or as a part of an ensemble. An article on ScienceDaily explains how the University of East Anglia conducted a study, led by Prof. Tom Shakespeare and Dr. Alice Whieldon, to examine just that.

The university investigated individuals struggling with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and observed the effect that singing had on their mental wellness. Their findings concluded that taking part in group singing improved or preserved mental stability. The team worked in collaboration with the Sing Your Heart Out project from the Norfolk Hospital in Norwich, England.

This project is tailored to provide individuals in the community, as well as those with mental health conditions in hospitals, an opportunity to engage in workshops where participants sing as a part of an ensemble.

The university’s study consisted of observing and interviewing
participants and members of the Sing Your Heart Out project’s staff over the course of six months and recording their findings. They concluded that singing in a group did in fact assist in the recovery of mental health.

It also showed that singing in a group influenced social well-being. Individuals who participated gained confidence and an overall feeling of acceptance.

“Taking part on a weekly basis provided structure, support and contact that helped people improve their mood, feel good, and function better in day-to-day life.

“So, singing not only relieves stress, but, in general, you could say it improves your quality of life.

Additionally, you don’t necessarily have to be the best singer in the world to still feel the benefits of singing in a group. A study in 2005 showed that “group singing ‘can produce satisfying and therapeutic sensations even when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality.’” And, as far as being a college student is concerned, how often are you told that you will still be successful by being mediocre? Take advantage of it!

There are opportunities on campus to be a part of choral ensembles even if you aren’t a music major, and if that’s not what you are looking for, you can still find places off campus like church choirs, or even a post-study jam session with your friends-whatever you want!

It’s not how you do it, what really matters is that you join in. After all, “group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking and certainly more fun than working out.” So, let go of stress with a song!