People listen to music for varying reasons. Some listen to relax, others to meditate, some as a hobby while some do it as a habit they formed. While most people turn the volume up as they do their chores to keep them company, what they may not know is that music does more than keep you company.
A recent study by the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital revealed that dopamine, also known as the happy hormone, generates the feeling of happiness and peace in your mind. The study further revealed that people who listen to music are generally more satisfied than those who don’t. In this article, we look at why listening to music is beneficial for both your general and mental health.
Listening to Music Lowers Stress and Anxiety
Although researchers are yet to find out how music works to the brain, music triggers the increase in neurochemicals productions that help brain function and mental health. Studies show that listening to music causes your body to reduce cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that your body uses as a protective mechanism when you suffer high-level stress or anxiety.
However, cortisol suppresses the digestive system and alters the immune system during a period of stress or anxiety. While it is a good thing when you are stressed, the overproduction of cortisol in the body due to a lengthened stress period has adverse effects on your overall health. So when you are stressed out or anxious about something, remember to turn on the radio listening to smooth jams and make some crazy dance moves. It’s far much better than swallowing stress pills.
Lessens Pain
Studies show that listening to music can reduce pain and help you heal faster. In the survey conducted on surgery patients, the reports revealed that patients who listened to music pre, during, and post-surgery recovered better and more quickly than those who did not.
Improves the Quality of Sleep
Listening to music relaxes your muscles and relieves pressure and anxiety to calm you down to sleep. A study conducted on numerous individuals shows that people who listened to music before g bed slept better and longer than those that did not.
Improves Memory
Listening to music stimulates the brain. Music can engage the brain entirely. Research shows that it builds up a desire to learn more. Numerous studies show that people had the motivation to learn when promised a song after a lesson or lecture and looked forward to the class.