The Health Benefits of Music

Everyone knows that music is relaxing and helps to manage or alter emotions. Research has shown that music has a number of other benefits, some that we may know about subconsciously and other benefits that are often overlooked. Music has the power to benefit our physical health, as well as our mental health. What are the most noted physical and mental health benefits of music? Let's explore the research available on music therapy.

Physical Benefits of Listening to Music

There are many physical benefits to listening to music, especially music that can positively affect your emotions, and help you build energy internally. Here are some of the benefits you can receive from listening to music.

Pain Relief

Studies have proven that the right kind of music is effective in reducing the amount of pain a person feels, as well as the intensity of the pain they are experiencing. These studies cover a wide range of subjects, but the most noticeable results were found in patients who required long-term care, or extensive acute care. Areas of care with the highest results focused on geriatric patients, intensive care patients, and even palliative patients.

Physical Motivation and Increased Exercise Performance

An exercise based study consisting of healthy male subjects in college determined that when participants listened to music while riding exercise bikes, participants exercised harder when they enjoyed the music they were listening to.

Some studies have shown an increase in performance for runners who listened to their favorite music while they ran. There was also a noticeable increase in endurance for running long distances when compared to runners who did not listen to music.

Further research shows that participants who listened to music while they were lifting free weights had increased endurance and higher performance levels when compared to participants who did not listen to music during their workouts. Music is also known to contribute to a successful post-workout recovery and increased blood flow.

Mental Benefits of Listening to Music

There are many mental benefits when it comes to listening to positive music. These benefits are seen in both short-term and long-term studies.

Reduce Stress and Improve Moods

There are a large number of studies relating the moods a person experiences and the amount of stress they can endure without feeling any ill effects. Music with upbeat, supportive lyrics can trigger the brain to release a large concentration of stress-reducing chemicals into the bloodstream. This not only reduces mental and physical stress, but it can also reduce heart rate and create a calmer, more meditative state.

Other studies have proven strong, positive effects when music is used to reduce anxiety. This approach has been tested in surgery patients, cancer patients, patients with depression, and even patients with chronic anxiety disorders.

Increased Effectiveness of Cognitive Function

Studies have shown that listening to background music during work or other activities that require enhanced focus can increase cognitive performance as well as concentration on small details in a shorter amount of time. These studies have also identified that for the music to successfully improve cognitive function, the person's emotional state must be improved.

Increased Memory Function

Several notable studies have been completed on how music affects the human memory. These studies revealed that listening to music that is upbeat and positive can increase the ability to concentrate and improve memory retention as well. The study also showed that music that contains lyrics can be distracting, so the most effective music to listen to is classical.

Creating Positive Emotions

Studies completed by neuroscientists have revealed that positive music can affect the brain in a similar way to drugs. Music that creates positive emotions can stimulate the levels of dopamine that your brain releases. This hormone can improve happiness and generate more excitement from simple tasks. There are worse things in life than becoming addicted to music, especially when it provides so many health benefits and can improve your life while you listen.

As you can see, listening to music that improves your overall mood can dramatically increase your performance in many situations. It can also help you manage chronic conditions that affect your mood.

Eugene Wood is a Licensed Massage Therapist located in Nassau County NY. Learn more about advanced massage therapy by visiting his website.