“Numerous studies demonstrate that singing releases endorphins and oxytocin – which in turn relieve anxiety and stress.”
The first car I drove was my dad’s 1975 Chrysler Newport. He special-ordered it and one of the features that it had was an upgraded stereo. Whenever I would drive it, I would set the sound to the rear speakers, drive that enormous boat around town and sing Brothers Johnson tunes at the top of my lungs.
Ever since then, I wanted a car with a killer stereo and last year I finally got one. 600 watts of pure bliss along with a chest-thumping subwoofer. It really has changed my view of driving. I used to hate it, but now I look forward to getting in my car, plugging in my phone and singing along with Foster the People, Glass Animals, Green Day, Bootsy Collins or whomever else I happen to be into that day.
Sure, I love music. But I also noticed that my overall mood improves after I sing along to my favorite artists. I have realized that music is more important to me than I already thought it was. It is my primary source of self-care and now I know why. It actually causes your body to release endorphins, serotonin and oxytocin, and it reduces cortisol levels.
Here’s an article that talks about the neuroscience of singing and how the mood-boosting effect is amplified (yeah, I meant to say that) when you sing in groups.
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