SOMS Rugby League Choir

State of Mind Sport are always exploring different ways to improve your mental fitness and the benefits of singing in a choir

Singing in a choir is beneficial in a number of different ways.

Singing in groups helps to forge social bonds, it also does so particularly quickly, acting as an excellent icebreaker.

Community singing is effective for bonding large groups, making it an ideal behaviour to improve our broader social networks and can boost your mental health and research suggests that feeling part of a cohesive social group can add to the experience of using your voice to make music. Singing not only increases oxygen levels in the blood but triggers the release of “happy” hormones such as oxytocin, which is thought to help lower stress levels and blood pressure. Benefits of choral singing for social and mental wellbeing: qualitative findings from a cross‐national survey of choir members Laetitia Livesey (Journal of Public Health) – The results indicate that benefits of singing may be experienced similarly irrespective of age, gender, nationality or wellbeing status.

A choir of rugby league fans was put together in 2016 via Songs of Praise and sang at the 2016 Challenge Cup Final.

The choir was led by Beracah Ministries International Steve Thompson who was on hand to guide the singers.

State of Mind Sport are teaming up with Steve in the near future for an exciting musical project alongside some of members of the original fans choir. Picture from left to right Owen Cotterell (State of Mind Sport Trustee), Steve Thompson (Beracah Music) and Dr. Phil Cooper MBE (State of Mind Sport Trustee)

Summary of benefits of singing in a group

Physical improvements include exercising the lungs and tones the intercostal muscles and diaphragm, improves sleep, aerobic capacity with benefits for the heart and circulation, decreases muscle tension, improves posture and improves mental alertness, opens sinuses and respiratory tubes, releases pain reducing endorphins, boosts immune system, reduce anger, anxiety and depression.

Emotional wellbeing improvements include increased self-esteem and confidence, feelings of well-being, enhances mood, reduces stress, is spiritually uplifting, increases positive feelings, encourages creativity, and increases empathy between cultures.

The first collaboration took place on Saturday 9th April 2022 with rehearsals and recording of two songs at 80 Hertz Studios in Manchester when singers from across the country will get together to share their voices singing together for the first time for a long while since the easing of the pandemic regulations.

80 Hertz Studios The Sharp Project, Thorp Road, Manchester, M40 5BJ check out the website here https://80hertz.com/

News links https://stateofmindsport.org/post/state-of-mind-sport-rugby-league-choir/