Music Beyond Music: Health Benefits We May Not Know Of

 
Music was always more than just an art form, the art form we use to express ourselves and to recreate and rediscover the world we live in. Sound and rhythm, “the harmony of the spheres” is, and always was, an integral part of our lives, from the early days of civilization.

Although, “there is no single and intercultural universal concept defining what music might be“, today, we are familiar with numerous benefits of music, some of which we already know. Whether or not we have any knowledge on music’s benefits, we have certainly experienced, in various ways, how music helped us improve our mood, even relieve headaches and pain, and how powerful music is to enhance our memory and learning.

 

Music activates our whole brain, making us smarter and enhancing our learning habits.

Very few activities in terms of art forms are able to use and employ our whole brain.  Scientists and researchers have been always very interested in discovering the power of music. What we know today is that music is enhancing some kinds of brain functions, such as reading and literacy skills, mathematical abilities, spatial-temporary reasoning and emotional intelligence, according to vast number of researches.

 

Mozart’s music activates both left and right part of the brain.

After various studies and testing, researchers concluded that classical music, Mozart in particularly, enhances performance on cognitive tests. Mozart’s music and baroque music as well, activate both the left and the right brain, which maximizes retention of information. Moreover, those activities, which cause both parts of the brain to be engaged, such as playing an instrument and singing, forces brain to be more capable of processing information. However, not only classical music empowers brain; the researchers found out that any kind of music that is enjoyable could have positive effects on cognition.

One study in particular showed that music has great benefits for recalling memories. The things we learn while listening to a particular song can be recalled by simple “playing“ that particular song mentally (it is important that the music doesn’t have a vocal component, you are more likely to remember the words of the song). Moreover, children who take music lessons, develop a better memory in comparison with those who don’t have musical training.

We all, from time to time, play music that we believe can help us improve concentration and attention, and although we are doing that intuitively (perhaps), studies confirmed that easy music listening improves the duration of concentration in all age groups. More studies will determine what type of music is better, however, if you already have your favorite song that helps you concentrate, you need no additional proof.

 

Music, as an art form, is deeply motivational.

With music, it is always easier to start moving, walking, or doing any other exercise, because music makes us do things that we understand more like recreation and less like work or obligation. Music makes time pass more quickly and due to that, it enhances physical performance. Researchers concluded that music improves motor coordination, physiological relaxation and increase physiological arousal. Apart from that, music improves body movement and reduces muscle tension.

 

Productivity and relaxation is easier with music.

When caught in monotonous work or activity, playing and listening to upbeat music brings back the energy, and eliminates fatigue symptoms caused by work, study showed. However, not all music can help us with work performance, for instance, too much pop and hard rock music can make you more nervous and jumpy. Opting for different music styles will help you find out what music is the most beneficial for you, in terms of performance.

We all feel that we are more productive with music, don’t we? The music’s ability to improve effectiveness of work is not a myth. A person’s ability to recognize visual images (letters and numbers) is faster when music is playing in the background. A study published in the journal Neuroscience of Behavior and Physiology, proves that rock or classical music in the background improves productivity.

 

Peaceful sleep and relaxation is induced by music.

Beating insomnia with music is an old remedy, sort of. Classical music especially, and other relaxing music is an easy way to evoke sleep and beat insomnia; moreover, many people who had problems with sleeping patterns find that Bach music helps them sleep. Music reduces sympathetic nervous activity, decreases anxiety and blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate. Moreover, relaxing music has positive effects on sleep because it helps muscle relaxation as well.

We all know that music is a prescription for mood because it decreases depression. We may not talk about music as a soul remedy; however, many people experience that music lifts their spirits. Science concluded that music has psychotherapeutic abilities and benefits, especially Mozart, Vivaldi, bluegrass, Klezmer, and reggae. Music became a prescription for the blues.

 

Music is probably one of the best ways to decrease daily stress.

Slow and quiet music reduces stress. Studies confirmed that music, as a stress reliever, could be very effective even on newborns, and in general, on anyone. Music is able to give us physical relaxation, relaxing our muscles. Especially upbeat tunes can take our mind of thinking about stressful situations, and help us feel more optimistic and positive.

Researchers discovered that music decreases the amount of cortisol, a stress-related hormone produced by the body. Music can also help us feel more energized when combined with yoga, meditation or massage.

 

Music, as a pain therapy, shows great results and benefits.

Music can reduce the chronic pain and postoperative pain, from a range of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and disc problems. In hospitals, during childbirths, music is used to reduce the need for medication and complement the use of anesthesia during surgery. Music is very effective because it causes the body to release endorphins, slows breathing and heartbeat, and serves as a distractor.

Those who are troubled with high blood pressure can play relaxing music every morning and evening in order to train themselves to lower the blood pressure. Music can also be very beneficial for the heart and breathing rates, according to researchers. Chronic headaches and migraines can be treated with music; a study showed that music could reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of the headaches.

Music has a unique link to our emotions, and our thoughts, and has great effect on our body and mind. Music absorbs our attention, and it can help us explore our emotions.  Make music a part of your life, and help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.

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