Photo: Getty
We KNEW it.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on May 10, 2018
The best comic bits I've seen in a long time are James Corden's Carpool Karaoke on The Late Late Show . James is in the car with a celebrity (usually a singer) under some pretense or another, and they start to listen to music. And damn if most of it isn't the guest's hits!
James and his carpool buddy sing, do air-drums, and dance in their seats. Watching it is so much fun and the celebrities seem to really be enjoying themselves. Because they're having such a good time, they come off great. Who knew Chris Martin of Coldplay was good at impressions, or that Adele had a wicked sense of humor? The guests range from classic old school performers such as Stevie Wonder and Elton John, to trendier talents such as Gwen Stefani and Sia.
There's something about being in a car and singing at the top of your lungs that's extremely liberating, especially if you're doing it yourself.
In a piece on Elite Daily, writer John Haltiwanger says, "Some of life's greatest memories involve unashamedly singing your favorite song at the top of your lungs with your best friends while sitting in traffic. Who cares if people can see and hear you? Your jam just came on! Not singing is not an option."
With that, here's how singing makes you smarter, healthier, happier, and more creative.
1. It improves brain chemistry.
In one study, researchers found that singing, dancing and drumming all trigger endorphin release and that music performance (such as singing) results in an elevated positive effect. Another study found that group singing not only bonded people together, but increased levels of oxytocin. Singing creates new neural pathways and improves brain meta-plasticity, which are akin to having super powers in your brain.
2. It's great for your heart.
A Swedish study found that since singing requires deep concentration on breathing, it works some of the major muscle groups in the upper body and is great for both lung and cardiovascular health.
3. It boosts your immune system.
Singing isn't just fun and stress reducing! A study found that it lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.
The researchers wrote, "The results suggest that choir singing positively influences both emotional affect and immune competence. In particular, singing leads to increases in positive and negative affect scores, S-IgA, and cortisol."
4. It helps you to live longer.
A joint study from Harvard and Yale Universities found that singing increases life expectancy. Be sure to sing everywhere — the shower, the car — to add years onto your life.
If you want to feel better in almost every way, grab your friends and a great playlist, and go on a road trip. It doesn't matter that much where you go, just as long as you keep belting out the tunes.