Why You Like Singing in the Shower
There could be a scientific explanation for why you like singing in the shower, more specifically in the science of sound. In fact, sound waves behave differently in the shower. They make you believe your singing is better.
There are also more reasons. For example, in the shower, you don’t feel ashamed because nobody’s listening to you, and you can turn the volume up. Moreover, in the shower, you feel free. It’s your moment to disconnect from the world, so you take the opportunity to sing, something that frees you and makes you feel good.
Why you like singing in the shower
There are different explanations for why you like singing in the shower. We’re going to look at the most important.
1. You have the perception that you sing better
Under the water and stuck in a cubicle, you have the feeling that you’re singing better. This could explain why you like singing in the shower. So, why does it happen?
When you’re in the shower, the behavior of sound waves varies, depending on their frequency. The sharpest waves have enough energy to be absorbed and ‘go through’ the walls of the bathroom. On the other hand, the lower waves bounce back, making them return to your ears and giving you the sensation of having a more powerful voice.
You don’t realize that you’re out of tune
It’s more likely that you go out of tune when you sing high notes. When you’re singing in the shower, you sing out these notes at the top of your voice and might be out of tune but don’t tend to realize it.
You might believe that you’re following the melody even though you’re not. Since it’s the higher notes that are affected, those with the deepest voices who sing in the shower notice their musical ‘superpower’ more.
Trembling notes are reduced
In addition, the shower walls ‘behave’ differently, depending on whether the note is high or low. They also have another function, which is to generate reverberation. This means that the shakiest notes that you emit are stabilized (they disappear or are reduced). This also happens with karaoke microphones. However, if you sing outside the shower, these shaky notes don’t disappear and you perceive your voice more realistically.
Therefore, by imagining that you sing better in the shower, you might motivate yourself to continue doing so. That said, you shouldn’t ever feel that you need to sing well to enjoy it.
2. A moment of disconnection
Beyond what science says, in reality, a shower is a moment of disconnection for many. It’s where you can free yourself from tension and enjoy a good cleanse with hot water. At that moment, it’s easier for you to be yourself and relax. One way to do this is through music and singing. This would also explain why, in the shower, you feel more relaxed, and so you sing.
“Music is the shorthand of emotion.”
-Leo Tolstoy-
3. You lose your feelings of embarrassment
Another reason why you like singing in the shower is the loss of embarrassment, Whether you sing badly or well, you might be ashamed to do it in public. But, in the shower, there’s no public. You’re alone, you have privacy and intimacy. For this reason, it’s easier to sing, because you lose any feelings of embarrassment.
The benefits of singing in the shower
If you like singing in the shower, regardless of whether you’re good or bad at it, you should know that it’s a really positive activity. Starting from the basis that you’re doing it because you like it is already a good thing. Plus:
- Being a pleasurable activity, your brain releases endorphins.
- You improve your breathing. That’s because singing tones your abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, which is beneficial for better breathing.
- When you’re singing, your blood circulation improves and more oxygen reaches your brain.
- It improves your mood.
- It allows you to de-stress and relax.
- It’s fun.
- Doing things you like is part of self-care.
So, if you’re one of those who like singing in the shower, keep it up.
“Music is only love looking for words.”
-Lawrence Durrell-
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- López, A. (2017). Ya está el listo que todo lo sabe: Una curiosidad para cada día del año.