A few years ago, I had a Winter during which I seemed to go from one chest infection to another, never really feeling I had recovered. I finally went back to the doctor who sent me for tests which showed I had developed Bronchiectasis. The frequent chest infections had made me physically unwell and my mental health was also quite low.
On a visit to the Brunton theatre one evening I noticed a leaflet which suggested singing for lung health with a group called the Warblers. I thought about it for a while and not having done any singing since the school choir I wasn’t sure I could actually sing. Finally, I decided I had nothing to lose by trying it out. I contacted Jane, the groups song leader to find out where the sessions were held and discovered it was only a short distance from where I lived. This seemed like a good omen.
I arrived at my first session feeling a bit anxious. I was immediately made to feel welcome and any worries I had about my ability to sing were soon dispelled by the friendly atmosphere generated by the group. Over the weeks I found myself becoming more relaxed about singing and looking forward to my Monday afternoon session with the Warblers. I always came home with a smile on my face, feeling really relaxed having spent the afternoon in the company of friends.
At one of my visits to the Bronchiectasis clinics I was delighted to discover that the doctor noticed from the breathing tests that my breathing had definitely improved. Since I was not on any medication for the bronchiectasis, the only change I had made was my weekly singing sessions, this had obviously produced a direct result.
To anyone with a lung problem, I would say don’t hesitate join the Warblers. Being part of the group not only helps with breathing problems but also produces a general feeling of well-being and also adds a lot of new friends to your life.