Sing a song, turn up the radio, strum the guitar, or do anything that you love that is associated with music. Making and enjoying music can stimulate your brain and trigger emotions and memories. This lets you connect with yourself while enriching your life. If you love listening to music, you are already enjoying several positive music effects on the brain. Find out more about how the benefits affect your health.
Effects of Music on the Brain
Music engages multiple parts of our brain including those involved in thinking skills, memory, attention, movement, emotion, and language. Music helps these different parts of the brain to work together, thus improving overall cognitive function. When we listen to a tune that has a positive emotional tone, it automatically brings up good memories that are associated with that particular tune. This in turn improves our mood and keeps our spirits high. Music has also already been used for therapeutic purposes as it has been backed by science to offer positive effects like reducing agitation in people with dementia and improving the overall quality of life. Sharing familiar music also helps caregivers to connect with those under their care who are suffering from memory loss.
Effects of Music on Other Parts of the Body
- Pain Reduction
A study shows that music is helpful for those suffering from fibromyalgia. Listening to relaxing music can reduce pain and increase functional mobility.
- Stress Relief
Listening to relaxing music can lower stress by reducing cortisol levels. This is a hormone that is associated with stress.
- Brain Injury, Seizure, Stroke
It has been reported that the brains of individuals with epilepsy respond in a different manner when exposed to music. Stroke patients who listen to music also showed improvement in recovery after listening to music. Music was also used to help people who suffer from aphasia to start communicating again.
Professional Recommendations
Professionals recommend various ways that let you enjoy the different benefits of music. You can try the following methods:
- Get Up and Dance
Dancing can be better for your brain as compared to other forms of exercise. When you dance with a partner, you also get to connect with the other party and stay socially engaged while coordinating your moves.
- Listen to Music During Exercise
Music provides extra motivation and a mental boost which are essential to keep you moving.
- Take Up Singing or Learn to Play an Instrument
When you master a new skill, you will feel a deep sense of accomplishment which is effective in giving you a boost of self-esteem. While at it, you also get to help your brain make new connections.
- Consider Performing in a Group Within a Public Setting
Challenge yourself to perform in public while forging new relationships with your music group members.
- Enjoy Familiar Music that Evokes Positive Memories
Listen to old songs that you used to, to recollect good memories that you had once created. You can also choose to listen to new music to stimulate your brain through the introduction of unfamiliar melodies.