Four Healthy Benefits of Music
Enhancement of Mood and Energy Levels
According to varies studies, music has shown to be correlated with the improvement of mental health, such as anxiety and depression, as well as other severe mental conditions as cited here. This is due to the release of dopamine in the brain, when we hear something pleasantly familiar, or a song we enjoy.
If you're having a difficult day, listening to uplifting tunes is incredibly beneficial for helping you get through it, improving your mood as a result of familiar lyrics, pleasant melodies, and certain musical tones.
Improves Memory
Have you ever wondered why you can recall lyrics to songs that you used to listen to from years ago? Or how, once you've mastered an instrument, your brain appears to naturally lead your fingers and hit keys and chords without you being entirely conscious of it?
Regularly listening to music stimulates parts of the human brain linked to memory, emotions and speech. Repetition of music provides a comprehensive brain exercise that stimulates your auditory, visual and motor functions, so when recalling a certain song or when learning how to play an instrument, your brain is programmed to retain these long-term memories.
Other studies demonstrate the link between music and emotion. Specific instruments and how they are played will invoke a particular feeling by association, such as when a slow violin is seen as sad, or when the fast pace of an electric guitar is seen as energetic.
Increases motivation
Studies cite that playing music in the background while conducting certain tasks increases your productivity significantly.
Music has been shown to benefit people by inspiring them to work out harder. This occurs because music stimulates the senses, improves mobility and urges body movement, such as dancing.
If you exercise or know someone who does, consider creating a playlist of fast-paced tunes that will help you stay motivated.
Assists in Improved Sleep
It’s fairly common for infants to be sung to by their parents, or for lullabies to be played in the background, in order to coax them to sleep. This association with music can carry into any age range.
When you sleep, your heart rate gradually lowers, bringing your mind closer to the deep-sleep stage, or REM sleep. If you're having difficulty falling asleep, listening to classical music or slow instrumental pieces will assist you in the relaxation process. Avoid music with lyrics, however, as this can potentially be distracting and prevent sleep.
Additionally, avoid sleeping with earphones since these risk damaging your ear canal. Play tunes on a speaker, computer, phone, or any other device that allows this.