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22nd December 2023
07:50pm GMT
Singing Christmas carols may not be a priority for everyone during the holidays, but that doesn't mean you can't reap the benefits.
It may sound pretty obvious but there are several positive returns to this festive activity.
The best part (for me anyway) is that you don't need to travel door-to-door or sing in public to bask in these feel-good feelings.
Group singing and listening can produce a wealth of 'happiness hormones' that makes this season even more jolly and it's all down to science.
Jasmine Eskenzi, founder and CEO of wellbeing and productivity app The Zensory, say the chemicals released when we hear music can soothe a busy, stressed, or anxious mind.
"Listening to music that we enjoy releases an exuberant combination of both dopamine and serotonin in our brains, helping us boost feelings of happiness and deep relaxation.
"It forces us to focus on our breathing, freeing us from any thoughts coming in and out of our minds."
Another bonus of Christmas carols is that it brings forth feelings of nostalgia, which has a positive knock-on effect.
"The predictability of carols can be comforting and incorporating them into your Christmas traditions can offer structure at what can be a stressful time of year.
“Having a tradition like listening to carols at Christmas is something you can share with the people you love, which can help lift your mood.
"Carols provide an opportunity for connection. Listening to carols can also provide a person with a sense of belonging."
Sadly, for some, Christmas time can trigger old familial resentments or is something to dread, rather than get excited about.
This is where carol singing may help bring the peace and lift some spirits.
“According to substantial research, family traditions such as singing Christmas carols together, have a positive impact on family relationships,” says Dowthwaite-Walsh.
"Carols are a form of celebration and tradition, which are central to our humanity. They allow people to unite in the spirit of love and joy, which can help them become more compassionate towards each other," Dowthwait-Walsh says.
According to Dr Tom Jenkins, founder of Centoreze, there is evidence that regular sining can lower blood pressure.
"Research suggests that singing reduces the level of your stress hormone cortisol, and can have a positive effect on your blood vessels and heart. Singing also burns calories," he says.
When singing, we also need to be more aware of our breathing and we're forced to breathe deeply, which, in turn, brings more oxygen to the bloodstream.
To maximise the benefits, standing while singing is also said to have a great effect on posture.
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