Singing is one of the most accessible forms of self-expression, yet its power to heal, connect, and strengthen often goes unnoticed. Whether belting out a tune in the car, humming in the shower, or joining a group to learn a new song, the act of singing holds transformative benefits. But it’s not just about making music—it’s about what it does for our well-being. In our podcast chat with Haley Glennie-Smith from Singing Mamas Norwich we explore how
The transformative power of song
At its core, singing is an incredibly powerful way to regulate our emotions and connect with our deeper selves. Many of the songs we sing are short and easy to remember, designed to be learned quickly and enjoyed without the burden of constant practice. Because of their simplicity, these songs often take on a meditative quality, almost like a mantra. The repetitive nature of singing the same song over and over can calm the nervous system and help our bodies feel safe.
One fascinating perspective on this comes from Alison Davies, a neuro musicologist who speaks about the profound effects of music on our nervous system. She explains that singing familiar songs—whether it’s a nursery rhyme, a favourite tune from your teenage years, or even a football chant—can help us tap into a sense of safety and relaxation. When we repeat a song we know by heart, we don’t have to think about it; our body simply responds, creating a sense of grounded comfort. This repetition of familiar music helps us reconnect with ourselves, offering emotional release and grounding.
As we sing, we can use music as a tool to calm the mind and promote well-being. Songs can become part of our mental toolkit—ones we can pull out whenever we need a boost or to feel more centered.
Singing: more than just a hobby
Beyond being a fun activity, singing is a profound form of self-expression. There’s a rawness in music that allows us to express everything from joy to sorrow, grief to contentment. It’s the perfect outlet for feelings we might find hard to put into words. Think about the power of singing at a concert, surrounded by thousands of people all moving to the rhythm of the music. There’s a sense of unity, a shared experience that transcends individuality.
But it’s not just about singing in large groups or on stage—it’s about the strength that singing can build within us, both individually and collectively. As one sings, they strengthen their voice—both literally and figuratively. The more we use our voice, the more confident and capable we become in expressing ourselves, whether in song or in conversation. Singing helps break down the barriers of self-doubt and connects us to a deeper part of ourselves. As we practice using our voice, we can begin to trust ourselves more, communicate more freely, and feel empowered.
Overcoming the fear of singing
Many people shy away from singing because they feel they’re “not good enough” or have been told they’re not singers. It’s heartbreaking to see how deeply those early criticisms can affect us, making us believe we lack the ability to express ourselves through song. However, singing is not about perfection; it’s about connection and expression. It’s not about performing for an audience, but about participating in something that feels good—whether it’s belting out a favourite song in the shower or joining a choir.
Singing is natural for all of us. Children are born to sing—just like they are born to speak or paint—and the act of singing is vital for verbal development. Yet, somewhere along the way, many of us are told we can’t sing or that we’re not good enough. It’s often an offhand remark, a careless judgment that ends up shaping our self-belief. But just like every child can pick up a paintbrush and create, every person has a voice capable of singing.
The idea that only “good singers” should sing is a myth. Everyone has a voice, and everyone’s voice is valuable. In a group setting, no one is singing solo; it’s the collective harmony that matters. Each person’s voice adds something special to the whole, filling in the frequencies and contributing to a powerful, beautiful sound. The beauty of group singing is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about participation. Every voice is welcomed, and every voice has something magical to offer.
Group singing for wellbeing
Singing together can be a deeply healing experience. In many well-being singing groups, the focus is on creating a supportive, welcoming space where everyone can find their voice and join in. The process of learning songs is often broken down into simple parts, making it easy for anyone to follow along.
As we warm up, we play with our voices, finding the pitch and tone that feels comfortable for us on that day. By singing together, we create a sense of unity and belonging. The beauty of group singing is that it fosters a sense of connection, grounding, and shared joy.
Whether you’re singing with others at a festival or in a small group, there’s something magical about the collective energy that emerges when we all join together. The sound bath of harmonies and voices can wash over you, leaving you feeling uplifted, grounded, and deeply connected to those around you.
The healing and joy of singing: advice for hesitant singers
For those who are hesitant to sing, take a moment to think about your experiences with music. Have you ever caught yourself singing in the shower or in the car, enjoying the moment without worrying about how you sound? You’re already a singer in those moments. Singing isn’t about perfection; it’s about expressing yourself, letting go of inhibitions, and enjoying the present moment. Singing with others offers a unique opportunity to tap into the collective joy that music creates.
Joining a well-being focused singing group can be a welcoming experience, with people of all skill levels coming together to learn, sing, and share in the joy of music. It’s not about hitting the right notes every time; it’s about connecting with others, feeling the music, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable in a safe space. Everyone’s voice matters, and the more we embrace our voices, the more confident and free we feel.
If you’re still unsure, just try it. The worst thing that can happen is that you might hit a wrong note. But remember, there’s no such thing as a “wrong” note in a community that embraces each person’s unique sound. You might surprise yourself by how good it feels to just let go and sing.
A wellbeing tip: A simple mantra for troubling times
As a final piece of encouragement, here’s a quote by Julian of Norwich that can serve as a comforting reminder during difficult moments: “All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” This simple mantra encourages us to trust that, even in challenging times, things will work out. Sometimes, taking a deep breath, finding your voice, and singing through it is the best way to ground yourself and remember that all will indeed be well.
