Many of us enjoy singing in the car. As you drive down the highway, you crank up the music and belt out a tune. Singing while driving has become an immensely popular activity, as shown in Carpool Karaoke on The Late Late Show with James Corden, with musicians such as Paul McCartney and Adele. Even if you’re not into letting your voice loose with a song while on the road, there’s a good reason for you to do it. Medical professionals reveal that singing in a car is good for your health.

Singing in a car reduces depression and anxiety

One of the biggest benefits of singing in a car is for your mental health. Studies show that long commute times can increase depression and anxiety levels. However, a great way to counteract this depression and anxiety is to sing while driving. As detailed by Watch Jojo, counselor Connie Omari said that “singing along in a car is one of the best ways to deal with negative thoughts.”

If you’re depressed and stressed out with an endless stream of negative thoughts swirling in your brain, singing provides a unique opportunity. It can “replace negative thoughts with more positiveness with rhythm and beats,” explained Omari. When going for a long drive, the mundaneness can result in you getting consumed by your thoughts. Singing provides a nice alternative. It can also help you process thoughts, including ones that you suppress. 

Furthermore, singing while on the road can help you feel less lonely. When you belt out the lyrics, you might feel a connection with the words in the song. When you do that, you’ll feel less alone. 

Singing while driving improves your mood by releasing neurotransmitters, providing a natural high

Also, singing a car improves your mood by releasing neurotransmitters, such as oxytocin, which provides a natural high. Also known as the “happy hormone,” oxytocin is the neurotransmitter that’s responsible for a feeling of love, connection to other people, trust, and relaxation. 

Singing also boosts serotonin, another feel-good neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety and depression, further boosting your mood. According to studies, merely thinking about your favorite song before you actually listen to it — increases serotonin levels. 

Plus, music can help us deal with challenging driving situations. When confronted with a dangerous driver, such as someone cutting you off, it’s easy to slip into a bad mood. However, your reactions to these potentially stressful driving situations can be modified by your elevated mood while you sing. 

Along with oxytocin and serotonin, your brain also releases dopamine, another neurotransmitter. Among other things, dopamine boosts your motivation and sense of pleasure. As a result of this, you’ll be less likely to experience road rage. You’ll also be happier while you drive. These things will lessen your chances of getting into an accident. 

When we belt out the music, our brains are flooded with these neurotransmitters, making us feel good. What’s more, if you sing along with a song that’s tied to a positive association or memory, this good feeling is amplified. 

Singing while driving is good for lung and cardiovascular health

Singing is a beneficial therapeutic activity for people with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or bronchitis. When you sing, you engage your “throat, lungs, diaphragm, and abdomen,” as detailed by The Model Garage. By signing a song in your car, you improve your lung and cardiovascular health. 

Belting out the tunes while rolling along also forces a driver to take big, deep breaths. When you feel anxious, your breath tends to be short and shallow. Conversely, deep breathing helps you relax and reduces anxiety. Plus, as you relax, your blood pressure will drop, which also benefits your cardiovascular health.

Singing on the road boosts your immune system

In addition to improving your mental, lung, and heart health, singing boosts your immune system. As a result, you’ll have less chance of getting sick. The boost for your immune system from singing is caused by two primary factors. For one, singing reduces cortisol, also known as the “fight or flight” hormone. Secondly, singing increases the immunoglobulin in saliva. With a decrease in cortisol and an increase in immunoglobulin, singing gives your body a better chance of warding off illness.

Along with the sheer joy of it — you now have many health-related incentives for singing in a car. Now it’s time to get behind the wheel, blast some music, and do your best rendition of Carpool Karaoke.