Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

"Random mental health fact: the reason singing is good for our mental health (besides being enjoyable) is that when we sing, our exhale is significantly longer than our inhale. This sends a signal to our nervous system that we're not in danger.

"When we're stressed or under threat, our breathing changes. We take shorter exhales & inhale more vigorously. This is to help us mobilize to fight or flee the threat. When we're safe & relaxed, our exhale lengthens. Singing also creates this effect.

"This is especially helpful knowledge for parents of young children. As you've undoubtedly noticed, it's hard to calm an upset child when we're also upset. Singing can help keep us calm as we soothe them. Even if we're not 'good' at singing, it still helps everyone involved."

-- Iris McAlpin (irismcalpin), 2022-09-06

[I have not tracked down research or other people saying this. But it sounds plausible. Especially since I can think of a similar but opposite effect (medication that ramps up the same physiological effects as fear does, producing feelings of fear and anxiety without other triggers present).]