At face value, it can feel like music is all about entertainment, yet in the real sense, there is more music. How else can you explain the fact that almost everyone has that music they listen to depending on moods. For example, there are songs you listen to and immediately feel pumped up. Even if you were feeling like a wreckage a few moments ago, you suddenly feel like you can hit the gym or go on track and run miles.
It is no coincidence. Various studies have established that music has health impacts on the human body. Other than the pleasure and contentment that comes with music, there are multiple psychological effects that it comes with. From the Lottoland talks about the health benefits of music you realise it can help energize the body, relax the mind, and even help in pain management.
The power of music runs deep such that music therapy has become a mainstream way to aid in relaxation and to promote emotional health. The patients use it to manage stress and boost emotional well-being.
Here are some of the top health benefits of music you need to know;
● Boosts heart health
Studies have established the relationship between music and cardiovascular health. Compared to silence, music pumps up the heartbeat for better blood flow. It also increases the breathing rate. Fast music tends to increase the heartbeat compared to unpleasant music which results in the heartbeat decrease.
The studies have also established music is ideal for patients living with heart disease. Music helps in reducing anxiety and pain which helps lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol and increase endorphin and serotonin in the blood.
● Elevates mood
Music has been established to impact the moods of listeners irrespective of age, gender and background. The first impact of music on mood is on the production of the dopamine hormone which relieves anxiety and depression. Music makes you feel more relaxed when facing situations where in most cases you will be anxious. Also, music is processed by the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for mood and emotions.
● Reduces stress
With the effects on emotion and the body, music is crucial in managing stress. Upbeat music comes with positive feelings that make you more optimistic. Faster music increases your concentration and alertness while slow music tempo comes with more relaxing effects on your mind and muscles. Generally, music is ideal for relaxation and stress management.
While stress is normal in humans, straining the body for an extended period can be harmful. You need music to work as a distraction to help you absorb attention and divert focus. It can also be an ideal distraction when feeling anxious or feeling pain.
● Stimulates memories
Music is a crucial element for stimulating memory. Even though dementia has proven too hard to cure, music has been shown to better manage it. Studies have shown that music helps those who are suffering from stroke or brain injury in regaining memories. Singing ability comes from the right side of the brain which can help one learn to speak and recall through singing out ideas.
Music therapy also helps improve the moods of patients, calm agitated ones and make them open up more for communications.
● Increases workout endurance
If there is one thing that is part of all training tutorials is music. It doesn’t matter whether you are training for weight loss or muscle gain, music is always in the background. This is no mistake. Studies have established that music increases endurance when working out.
The endurance when listening to music most probably comes from the fact that it improves the mood. It also works the same way for social events. For example, music in bars and other social gatherings make it more enjoyable. Using it for exercises pumps you up in the same way.
● Eases pain
Music is one of the most effective pain management solutions. In studies involving patients recovering from surgery, those who listened to music before, during or after surgery experienced less pain. They also had overall satisfaction compared to the ones who never listened to music as part of their care routine. Music acting as a distraction goes a long way in enhancing the easing of pain.
● Soothes premature babies
Music is the ideal partner when taking care of premature babies. Lullabies and live music improves premature babies’ feeding behaviours and sucking patterns. It may also increase prolonged periods of alertness that helps them in growth.
Bottom Line
Music has been part of human life for thousands of years. The only thing that changes is the scope of use. Unlike before when music was generally for entertainment and passing information, it has become a crucial medical aid. It has several health impacts that make it essential for every human.