Why we should embrace singing in the car

Belting out a tune has always been an indicator to others that someone is happy. But have you ever stopped to think that maybe it’s the singing itself that makes people feel happy?

Earlier this week I caught a man in my peripheral vision laughing in my direction while sitting in his car at a red light. It was obvious that he found my passionate scream-singing funny as I sang along to Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers licence’- a song about a teenage breakup, as I, a woman in her mid-20s and in a committed relationship, had tears streaming down her face.

This embarrassing experience got me thinking about why I arrived home feeling somewhat relaxed and extremely energetic. This triggered my curiosity, how did singing along to a sad song make me feel better?

That’s when I got digging and discovered the actual health and wellbeing benefits that singing can have. Maybe singing in the car will be the next ‘Acai bowl after a pilates class’ of health trends?

Studies show that singing releases endorphins (the chemicals that make your brain feel good) which contribute to overall wellbeing. You can release endorphins in other ways like exercising or getting a massage. However, I can personally confirm that those are both significantly more tiring and expensive than singing.

Save yourself the money and pop on some Adele on your next drive home.

Music is a vessel for unlocking your emotions. For example, screamo music has the ability to bring out your anger whilst sad songs can make you feel, well, super sad- as I learnt when I was laughed at by someone at the red light. Music can also be the trigger to an emotion you’ve been bottling up.

You know what they say, a vessel under pressure will always explode? (I don’t think that’s the actual quote). But in this case, it’s better that you express rage about a work situation to your George Constanza air freshener than to your boss' face.

Go on and scream-sing straight to that smug air freshener.

You know how listening to a podcast can make a walk go by seemingly faster or your chores get done quicker? Well, it’s the same for your driving journey.

The long and tedious commute home can be over in just one short playlist. Songs can transport you to holidays you’ve been on, restaurants you’ve enjoyed or moments in your life that brought you joy. Memories like that are sure to make your hour travel time home from work just zip by!

Singing passionately to a song gets your heart pumping and body moving. Now you may think ‘hang on, I don’t move when I sing!’ But pause for a moment and picture someone singing; it would be weird if they were completely still. It’s only natural to bop along to your favourite tune, and that light amount of movement can be enough to boost your serotonin and uplift your mood.

As someone who's been smacked in the face by a reformer pilates band, take my word that singing is definitely safer.

Ultimately, no one really needs an excuse to sing in the car. It’s an overall fun activity that is easy to enjoy, brings up your mood and gets your endorphins flowing.

If you have a bad voice as my friends have no problem telling me about, then turn the music up louder and drown them out with your sweet harmony to Britney Spears’ Toxic. Because they’re toxic for not letting you thrive.

You also won’t hear that loud diesel engine rumbling away beside your window, which is sure to spark some joy.

Always remember that if you are partaking in a big singalong as you drive, keep your eyes open and hands on the wheel at all times...

Related: Top five songs for belting out a tune behind the wheel with Rob Mills

Related: Five songs to have a good cry in the car to

Related: Research confirms that listening to rock music makes you a worse driver