Do you sing in your car?

You know you want to sing along – so go ahead...

When you’re driving in your car, or somewhere else you feel comfortable, don’t just sing – really belt one out. Some recent research found that people who sang along on a regular basis were at least 25% happier than those who held back. Singing out loud boosts your cortisol levels and can actually be very effective at relieving stress. The mood boost that comes along with belting out that tune can last up to an hour or more.

Medical students at the University of Arizona put the benefits of singing to the test and formed a group of singing med students called Docapella. Not only does it help them cope with long hours and lots of studying – they say singing at the hospital helps them connect with their patients and share some of that stress-relief.