You know that feeling you get when you hear a familiar song, and then a special memory brings a smile to your face. Music can make you happy, calm or feel extremely active. You can quickly identify when music is playing or when you hear a different noise.
Our brain is designed to quickly identify the different patterns of music from pitch, rhythm, melody, and harmony. You will notice that whenever fast music plays, your heart rate and breathing increases. It also affects your blood pressure, but slow music has an opposite reaction.
Many people don’t understand how their body reacts to the music they hear. Studies have shown that by listening to the music you love, your brain will produce dopamine, which is a hormone that stimulates your mood. Music can build strong emotions, such as sadness and joy. Everyone can agree that anytime they hear music, they are moved by it. Just as music affects our feelings, it also has positive effects on our health. Here are some of the many things you should know about music an
d your health.
Improves Mood
Research shows that music has a significant effect on your total wellbeing. It manages your emotions and makes you feel happy. It also gives you a relaxing feeling every day.
Reduces Stress
If you are anxious or stressed out, listening to relaxing music has proven to be effective in stress management. It is usually recommended by medical professionals that anyone undergoing procedures such as surgery should listen to relaxing music.
Lessens Anxiety
Studies conducted on people who were battling with cancer show that those who listen to music regularly are less anxious than those who just received treatment alone.
Improves Exercise
Also, listening to music helps improve aerobic exercise. It stimulates you mentally and physically, as well as improving your general performance.
Improves Memory
Another area which music has an effect on is memory. Certain rhy
hms and melodies create a pattern in our brains to improve our memory. This method has been known to help patients who have just survived a stroke. Music will help them improve their focus, regain their memory and become less confused.
Eases Pain
Patients coming out of surgery, especially those who listened to music before, during and after the operation have less pain compared to other patients who didn’t listen to music.
Provides Comfort
Music provides therapy for expressing feelings of fear, loneliness, and anger. It helps patients with a severe illness feel comfortable and cope easily.
Improves Cognition
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease can regain some of their lost memories when they listen to music. Music helps them to maintain their mental activities.
Helps with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Children who have autism spectrum disorders are usually given music therapy, and this has proven to improve their communication skills, attention, and social responses.