Listening to music - HealthyLife

There is no doubt that listening to your favorite music can instantly put you in a good mood. However, scientists are now discovering that music can do more for you than just lift your spirits. When speak of nutrition, we usually think of food. But food is energy to our bodies and our brain takes in all kinds of energy from all our senses. So if we know that certain music is nutritious for our heart, then it may be a good idea to integrate it into our environment.

How music helps?

Controlling chronic pain and anxiety:

Music works on the autonomic nervous system – the part of the nervous system responsible for controlling our blood pressure, heartbeat and brain function – and also the limbic system – the part of the brain that controls feelings and emotions. According to findings, both these systems react sensitively to music. When slow rhythms are played, our blood pressure and heartbeat slow down which helps us breathe more slowly, thus reducing muscle tension in our neck, shoulders, stomach and back. Experts say that apart from physical tension, music also reduces psychological tension in our mind. In other words, when we feel pain, we become frightened, frustrated and angry which makes us tense up hundreds of muscles in our back. Listening to music on a regular basis helps our bodies relax physically and mentally, thus helping to relieve – and prevent – back pain.

Memory boost:

For many people suffering from memory loss the spoken language has become meaningless. Music can help patients remember tunes or songs and get in touch with their history. This is because the part of the brain, which processes music, is located next to memory.

Stress reducer:

Research has found that listening to music can relieve stress by triggering biochemical stress reducers.  Listening to slow musical beats can alter brainwave speed, creating brainwave activity similar to when a person is meditating or in a hypnotic state. Some research suggests that using rhythmic stimuli to induce these states can have a therapeutic effect, easing symptoms of migraines, PMS, and even behavioral issues. Neuroscientists have discovered that listening to music heightens positive emotion through the reward centers of our brain, stimulating hits of dopamine that can make us feel good or even elated.

Anxiety remover:

A study found that music’s effect on anxiety levels is similar to the effect of getting a massage. If people are under high pressure listening to music calms the mind and brings back the focus. This depends on the type of the music. Research finding shows that classical music plays a soothing role in these cases and not upbeats and drums. Music prevents anxiety-induced increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, and decrease cortisol levels — all biological markers of stress.

Increases motivation:

Listening to favorite music will help to do many positive things including exercises. Listening to music may help people run faster, boost their workout motivation, and enhance their endurance. Listening to workout tracks can boost physical performance and increase endurance during a tough exercise session.

Sleep quality:

Listening to classical music has been shown to effectively treat insomnia in college students, making it a safe, cheap alternative to sleep-inducing medicines. While listening to soft music brain cells will slowly go to resting stage. Playing soft music helps cancer patients or during recovery of a surgery etc and helps patients to rest properly.

Be mindful of music, it can be good for your heart and mind.

Image source: http://wiltonelder.com/

References:

• http://greatist.com/happiness
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Image credit: Image by PIRO4D from Pixabay  (Free for commercial use)