Singing carols can make you happy, boost mental health

LONDON, Dec 22: Love to be part of the choir singing Christmas carols? Singing in groups could not only make you happier, but also help improve mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, according to new research. The finding showed that people who took part in a community singing group maintained or improved their mental health. Community singing had positive effects on people’s mental health, while for some it was a key to their recovery or maintence of health, for others it induced fun and happiness. Moreover, the combition of singing and socialising was an essential part of recovery because it promoted an ongoing feeling of belonging and well-being that often lasted a day or more as well as improved social skills and confidence. “We found that singing as part of a group contributes to people’s recovery from mental problems,” said lead researcher Tom Shakespeare, Professor at the University of East Anglia (UEA). (IANS)