Here's the best reason ever to sing in the shower ... car ... or wherever you want. Singing makes people happier and healthier. Here’s how:
- It improves your brain chemistry: Researchers have found that singing, dancing, and even air drumming along to the music releases endorphins in the brain that make us feel amazing. It's even better when you sing with someone. When you sing with your friends, kids, or significant other your brain releases oxytocin, which is the love and bonding hormone.
- It’s good for your heart: A Swedish study found that the breathing required for singing engages major muscle groups in the upper body and is great for improving lung capacity and cardiovascular health.
- It boosts your immune system: Feel a cold coming on? Put on your favorite song and sing along! Singing actually reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which improves your immune system and your general sense of well-being – much like meditation or mindfulness.
- It makes you live longer: In a joint study from Harvard and Yale, researchers found that regularly singing can increase your life expectancy. How could it not? It makes you happy, improves cardiovascular health, and lowers your stress levels.