Music can bring us comfort and joy, motivate us, and help us relax. It can transport us to another time, calm our anxious minds, or boost our spirits. Every emotion is captured in a different song.
Even science has backed up these benefits. Music is good for our mental, physical, and emotional health. It can improve our mood and productivity and help us sleep.
Six ways that music can improve your health.
1. This will boost your mood.
Music and mood are linked, according to research. When you listen to your favourite song, dopamine is released into the brain. This can prevent depression. Make a playlist with all of your favourite songs to listen to the next time you feel down. Choose upbeat songs, sing along, and dance with them if possible. Singing and dancing release endorphins or happy hormones.
2. Focus and attention
Music can also improve concentration and focus and enhance mental performance while studying or working on a project. If you’re finding yourself drifting off to work or studying, listen to some stimulating music to keep your attention. Avoid music that has distracting lyrics or beats. Instead, choose classical music. The study found that classical music (baroque, in particular) can help to create a calm, balanced state of mind and increase learning efficiency.
3. Recall fond memories
Music can transport us back in time and bring us fond memories. Listening to the same song repeatedly creates associations with our emotions. Even when we listen to music that was played years ago, the feelings and emotions that we experienced can be recalled. It is useful to recall happy memories or experiences and bring them back into the present. Music can also have a profound effect on those who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. Music & Memory, a popular US program that focuses on creating personalised music playlists for people with chronic cognitive and physical impairment, is based on this concept. The creators say that music can awaken a part of the brain that is not affected by dementia, and it can evoke responses such as singing, movement, and moments of reconnecting with loved ones.
4. Relaxation & Restful Sleep
When you feel overwhelmed, stressed or unable to sleep well, playing some soothing music can help. According to research, listening to peaceful music enables you to relax by reducing your blood pressure and slowing down your heart rate and breathing. It also reduces stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. It is easier to relax and let go of worries. This may also help you sleep faster and longer.
5. Motivate yourself and boost your energy
Music makes it easier for most people to exercise. Fast-paced and upbeat music will increase your heart rate and give you an energy boost, boosting motivation and maximising performance. If you need a little boost before your workout, create a playlist of your favourite tracks.
6. Cultivate a connection
Music is universal and brings people from all walks together. Music is universal. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what language you speak. Music brings people together in concert halls, places of worship and celebrations. Listening to music has been shown to trigger oxytocin release, which is the “love hormone” that aids in the development of empathy, trust, and compassion. If you ever feel lonely, try listening to music to help create a feeling of belonging and connection.
