Is Music Good For Our Health?
Every human has the ability to create music. You may or may not play an instrument, but you absolutely can hum, whistle, sing, tap or clap- music! Maybe you prefer to listen or move to music rather than create it. Whether a trained musician, an amateur singer, a dancer or a passive listener- you have a relationship with music. And, regardless of how you engage with it, enjoying musical experiences comes with benefits to your health.
Recent research has discovered that music is beneficial to us in many ways. Musical experiences can improve our mood and mental health, can ease physical pain, increase the productivity of exercise, reduce cognitive decline associated with aging and provide opportunities for social bonding.
It is becoming more and more common for musical therapists to work in settings such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and hospice care facilities. However, you don’t necessarily need formal music therapy to reap the day-to-day benefits. Including music into your routine can enhance experiences, encourage relaxation or boost your mood!
Keep reading to learn about how music can benefit your health and some examples of how to incorporate music into your day.
Music and Mood
Music can evoke a wide spectrum of emotions. Listening to a piece of music that you find uplifting can trigger the release of dopamine in your brain, making you feel happier. Listening to music you enjoy can also ease feelings associated with depression and anxiety. The sound of music that moves you may also be beneficial. The emotional release provided by music you find moving can help you to move through uncomfortable feelings.
Music and Fitness
Making music a part of your movement and exercise routine can have many benefits. By playing music that you find enjoyable and motivating during activity, you are more likely to stay engaged.
Music can also improve performance and endurance, and delay the perception of fatigue. Listening to music with a strong and steady beat can encourage rhythmic reps and may help regulate breathing during vigorous movement.
Music and Sleep
Including music in your bedtime routine can improve several aspects of your sleep. Finding yourself a lullaby can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep for longer, wake up less frequently and generally have a more restful nights sleep. Finding something that you find enjoyable and relaxing is key. Slower and softer tempos are generally more soothing and its a good idea to avoid anything that may trigger a strong emotional reaction (positive or negative) as you are falling asleep.
References
Ballmann, C. G. (2021). The Influence of Music Preference on Exercise Responses and Performance: A Review. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 6(2), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk6020033
Jäncke, L. (2008). Music, memory and emotion. Journal of Biology, 7(6), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/jbiol82
Juslin, P. N. (2013). From everyday emotions to aesthetic emotions: Towards a unified theory of musical emotions. Physics of Life Reviews, 10(3), 235–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plrev.2013.05.008
Somnus X Sleep Research. (n.d.). The British Academy of Sound Therapy. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.britishacademyofsoundtherapy.com/somnus-x-sleepresearch/
