Music has been around since the times humans realized that tapping two sticks together can create an engaging beat. Music can uplift our soul, foster in us feelings of joy, compassion and love. Music is an integral part of any social gathering. It also soothes our mind, so much so that it is now recognized as a form of therapy.
In the mid-twentieth century, music therapy emerged as a discipline and trained music therapists started using it for the wellness of people. Development of modern technologies has brought a new light on how music can structure and function our brain, improve our mood and stimulate our emotions.
Music Activates Our Brain
Learning to play music changes the structure of our brain in a way to make it more active and strong. Studies have shown that people listening to pleasant music improve their information processing speed, reasoning, creativity, attention span and memory.
Music Regulates Stress Related Hormones
Anesthesiologists report that listening to relaxing music reduces the level of stress hormones in the blood and also replaces the need of medication in some of the cases.
Music Boosts Immune System
Pleasant state can be achieved by listening to music which eventually leads to special physiological changes which eventually leads to stress reduction and immunity enhancement.
Music Boosts Productivity
We have innumerable distractions at work competing for our attention. Music helps us in putting back on a more productive track. A study shows that people who listened to music completed their tasks more quickly and came up with better ideas than those who did not.
Music Strengthens Memory and Learning
Music has the power of helping people concentrate better. It can enhance one’s ability to memorize spellings and poetry. Participating in a music program in school has shown to have positive effects on learning, motivation and behaviour.
Music Reduces Pain
Although it is not clear why music may reduce pain, music’s impact on dopamine release may play a significant role. A study shows that patients listening to music before their spine surgery experienced lesser pain than a group which did not listen to music.
Music Improves Sleep Quality
Stress and anxiety are the major factors which affect sleep. Music works wonders in reducing them. Research has shown that listening to music creates more restful sleep and improves sleeping patterns. In some cases it might help in treating insomnia.
Treat yourself with some good music and enjoy the wonderful effects on your body, mind and soul this World Music Day!
I like folk bands! I really do! And yes, it helps me a lot to relax my mind.