The Health Benefits of Music
By Sara Butler
Music can have a big impact on your life and your health. It can inspire you to take your workout to the next level, arouse nostalgia, brighten your daily commute or help you feel better when the weather outside is dreary. Music can do a lot to change the course of your day, but it can actually do more than just change your state of mind -- music has an impact on you physically, too. Here are just a few of the transformative effects of music on your health!
It Improves Your Mood
Your favorite song can actually cause your brain to release dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical that helps your mood to improve. Some studies have found that music can actually change how people look at their lives – that goes way beyond a sudden mood boost!
It Might Help You Fight Anxiety
A study out of the University of Minnesota found that patients in the hospital who listen to music for about 80 minutes a day had reduced anxiety levels that led to a reduced need for anxiety medication. Music helps you to relax, which is why it may have such a big impact on anxiety level whether you’re in the hospital or not.
Improvement of Cardiovascular Health
Good music may just help your heart to be healthier. There has been a correlation found between heart health and classical music. One study found that this music reduced the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in people’s systems, and reduced blood pressure. Just 30 minutes of rocking out to classical composers such as Mozart and Strauss can have a positive impact.
Enhance Performance
If you’re looking to take your exercise performance to the next level you may want to consider doing it with the help of music. Studies have found listening to music as you exercise improves endurance, productivity, power, and strength. If you’ve ever wondered why professional athletes don’t listen to music during a race, it’s because they aren’t allowed to – for this very reason!
Immunity Boost
With cold and flu season on the horizon, you may want to make sure you’ve got all your favorite songs downloaded. Studies have found that listening to music increases levels of immunoglobulin A, the antibody in your digestive tract and lungs that helps to prevent infection and illness.
It’s safe to say the next time you need a little pick-me-up, turning on your favorite tune is the smartest option – and the healthiest, too!
