Psychologist Explaining The Reason For Singing In A Car Makes Life Happy

Illustration of women singing in cars (Photo: Freepik/Freepik)

JAKARTA - We all have had a happy sensation when we got into the car after a tiring day, playing favorite songs and singing as if we were performing on a big stage. But apparently, this simple habit is not only fun but also good for physical and mental health.

Music can increase antibodies that help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from bacteria. According to experts, singing while driving also provides many psychological benefits that make feelings better.

Here are the reasons why singing feels so good, as reported by the Huffpost page.

1. Stimulates Thoughts and Reduces Stress

Many studies have shown singing can improve mental well-being. A 2017 global study of more than 1,700 choir members finding co-sing can improve well-being as it creates social connections and cognitive stimulation.

Kelley Kitley, a psychotherapist from Chicago, claims to have benefited from its own benefits.

"In the past, my ritual after returning from work was a glass of wine," he said.

When I stopped drinking six years ago, I needed something positive to replace it. I love music and singing in the car made me excited again," he continued.

According to Kitley, this habit not only makes the trip more enjoyable, but also makes the time with family in the car feel more relaxed.

"Usually we have different opinions about the choice of songs, but that's what makes it fun. I often recommend this habit to my clients, just like yoga or meditation," he explained.

2. Meditation

Connie Omari, a professional counselor in North Carolina and founder of Tech Talk Therapy, also advised her client to try singing while driving. According to her, this activity can be a form of meditation in itself.

"By listening to music, drivers can replace negative thoughts with positive things through rhythm and song beats," he explained.

Omari said driving alone for a long time could increase the risk of depression, but singing regularly can help reduce the impact.

"Driving is routine and boring. If left alone, silence in the car can make the mind filled with negative things," he said.

3. Music Releases Happy Hormones

According to Katie Ziskind, a family therapist from Connecticut, playing loud music can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone often called hormon love.

"Oxytocin creates feelings of trust, safety, and calm," Ziskind explained.

"In addition, just by thinking about favorite songs, the brain has released serotonin, a hormone that helps reduce anxiety," he continued.

In other words, listening to and singing to follow songs is not only fun, but also biologically increasing the mood.

4. Reduces Feelings Of Emotion While On The Way

Kristen totaling, doctor and clinical writer at the Center for Discovery, California, explains that when we sing excitedly, the brain releases dopamine, neurotransmitters that play a role in joy and motivation.

"Dopamine increases enthusiasm and motivation," he said.

"This positive mood can reduce anger on the road and make us a more friendly driver," he continued.

Maybe it also adds playing music and singing as hard as it can improve our mood, make us happier when we get home or at work, and create a more positive environment for others.

5. Release Tensions

Usually when you are stressed, people are advised to take a long breath. But according to mitigating G. Breuning, author of Habits of a Happy Brain and founder of the Inner Mammal Institute in California, singing can actually be a natural way to relieve tensions in the diaphragm.

"Slow breathing is a general response to stress," explains Breuning.

"Singing helps the body take a deep breath naturally, without being forced," he added.

In addition to making the body more relaxed, Kristen Ray, vice president of behavioral health at Bayless Integrated Healthcare, added that deep breathing like this can also improve sleep quality.

6. Processing Detained Emotions

Even when the song that is listened to is sad, singing can help us channel emotions in a healthy way.

'Singing is how we express emotions, especially those that are difficult to express,' said Kristen Ray.

"When we sing the lyrics according to our feelings, we feel not alone," he continued.

Nick Hobson, director of science at Psychology Compass added that music is emotional and can evoke feelings that we may have suppressed so far.

"That's why music therapy has proven effective in helping people who experience anxiety to depression," he said.

7. Simple form of Self-Care

According to Ashley Total, entrepreneuric psychologist and entrepreneur from Birmingham, Alabama, singing in a car can be considered a simple form of self-care.

"We can control this activity without anyone's influence," he said.

"The boss can't choose a song for you, the partner can't sing, and the kids can't play down the volume. For two or three minutes, you're an artist on your own, happy, free, and enjoy life." he added.