One of broadcasting’s quiet success stories, is the BBC’s Songs of Praise. In spite of all the competition from other programmes and channels, it regularly draws an audience of 2.5 million viewers. This figure is said to rise at particular times of national anxiety or grief; but it always includes a dedicated core who never miss an episode. There are many people, too, who not only enjoy listening but also like to sing along, with the words displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Hymn singing is apparently one of the most popular aspects not only of churchgoing, but of British culture in general. And it’s not hard to see why. It’s the way in which all of us, even those who don’t play a musical instrument, can join in with the music; and music itself is one of the most universal and characteristic of all human activities. It can express every kind of emotion, from the most exuberant joy to the darkest sorrow. In time of happiness or sadness, fun or solemnity, triumph or lamentation, we all feel we’ve just got to sing.
Not only that, but the Bible exhorts believers to sing. Again and again the psalmists call upon their worshippers to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, to sing a new song to the Lord, and so on. Singing was a central part of the worship of God’s people in the temple, long before church and synagogue became the usual places of worship.
And singing is good for you. In recent years, more and more scientific studies have shown just how many health benefits we can gain from singing. This is particularly true for older people. It’s been shown that older people who belong to choirs, or who sing regularly at church or elsewhere, have fewer doctors’ visits, fewer eyesight problems, less incidence of depression, less need for medication, and even, fewer falls and other injuries. Singing can boost the immune system and improve general well-being, because it can improve lung capacity, boost energy, relieve asthma, lead to better posture, and enhance mood, relaxation and confidence. It even improves brain function, so that community singing is being used with Alzheimer’s patients, and has been shown in some cases to slow the progress of the disease.
But why wait till you’re old? Young people, too, can benefit from the great workout that singing provides. Singer and voice coach Helen Astrid says, “[Singing] is a great way to keep in shape because you are exercising your lungs and heart. Not only that, your body produces ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins, which rush around your body when you sing. It’s exactly the same when you eat a bar of chocolate. The good news with singing is that you don’t gain any calories! Not only can it increase lung capacity, it improves posture, clears respiratory tubes and sinuses, and can increase mental alertness through greater oxygenation. It even tones the muscles of your stomach and back, if you’re singing correctly.”
It can sometimes be a bit galling when scientists and others ‘discover’ things that churchpeople have known for ever! But in this case we are thrilled, not miffed. We would really love to share the health benefits of singing with everyone in Marston. As with so many other healthy pursuits, it’s much easier to do them with other people, than on your own. Singing with other people is easier, and more fun. (It usually sounds better, too!) So we would love to invite everyone to join us twice every Sunday for a really healthy hymn-singing workout in our regular worship. You can always set your TV recorder so you don’t miss your weekly dose of Songs of Praise. No previous experience or training is necessary: even if you think you can’t sing, simple regular practice will help you improve. And if you’d like to take it a bit further than just being part of the congregation, we would be happy to welcome anyone who is interested in joining our choir.
Remember: Singing is good for you, singing makes you happy. You might even say, a hymn a day keeps the doctor away.
Published in the Marston Times, July 2009