9 Health Benefits Of Music



The brain converts these sound waves into electrochemical nerve signals—and this is where sound really strikes a chord. From self-help books to aromatherapy, apps to weighted blankets, we've compiled the 11 best anxiety relief products of 2021. Doctors may refer to the parasympathetic side as “rest and digest,” since it takes care of things when the body is at rest, while sympathetic is “fight or flight,” in charge of the body in motion. Music may be one way to help manage them and their troublemaking. In one recent experiment, participants were asked to press a button anytime the hand on a special clock started moving.

This kind of casual music-making can short-circuit the stress response, research shows, and keep it from becoming chronic. Stress starts in the brain and then kicks off a chain reaction that switches on the stress response in every cell of our bodies. Over time, these cellular switches can get stuck in the "on" position, leading to feelings of burnout, anger, or depression as well as a host of physical ailments. Along with inducing stress, Loewy says, the wrong music can promote rumination or other unhelpful mental states. One 2015 study from Finland found that music can bolster negative emotions—like anger, aggression or sadness—much the same way it can counteract these feelings.

"Music-making is linked to a number of health benefits for older adults," said Suzanne Hanser, chair of the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In addition to helping human beings experience positive emotions, listening to music has also been associated with improving our physical health and well-being. There is good reason to believe that even more benefits are gained from music therapy when it is used not as a random activity, but as an intentional strategy to improve health and well-being.

Nothing’s quite as validating as your tunes echoing through the food court or down the baked goods aisle. That’s part of how music is calming and can help you relax, pump you up during a run, or even help you focus at work or school. If you're feeling stressed, essential oils may help you relax or recharge. Music is certainly not a magical cure, nor is it a substitute for therapy, medication, surgery, or any other medical treatments. But music can be an important element of your well-being and self-care on a daily basis, as well as a helpful partner in dealing with more acute health conditions. Musicians, researchers, and music therapists have actually claimed to create “the most relaxing” song ever, called “Weightless.” But relaxing sounds you’ll have to decide for yourself.

Music therapists work with a variety of patients of all ages. Like other forms of therapy, including art therapy, music therapists plan individualized sessions to help you meet your goals. "People are not only living longer these days, they want to remain healthy and active for as long as possible," said Antoinette Follett, editor-in-chief of "Making Music" magazine. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, playing an instrument as a child keeps the mind sharper as we age. Instead, take a tip from Dana Marlowe and simply jam away for the fun of it.

Studies show listening to music you can’t stand is a recipe for disaster at any tempo. But listen to an artist or album you love, and you’ll experience the calming powers of sound. The slower a song, the more likely you are to experience deeper breathing, lower blood pressure, and a lower heart rate. Faster music has the opposite effect—pumping up your vitals and propelling you to move. Often, music used for meditation has a slow tempo, which can reduce heart rate, and also lower anxiety and stress levels.

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