Regardless of whether you are listening to music or playing a musical instrument, the fact of the matter is that music has a way of making one relaxed and entertained. In addition, researchers have established numerous benefits associated with listening to music and playing musical instruments, with some of these benefits being as follows.
Better and Improved Learning
From the various studies that have been conducted, more so by John Hopkins doctors, it has been established that listening to music helps in stimulating one’s brain. These doctors have been able to pinpoint brain activities related to entertainment resulting from playing musical instruments or listening to music through MRI scans. In another study conducted in 2019, it was determined that people were highly motivated to learn when they listened to music.
Memory Improvement
Playing musical instruments, undertaking music lessons, and listening to music have been found to improve one’s memory. This is usually achieved through the musical rhythms and melodies that stimulate the brain and trigger enhanced functioning of different parts of the brain. For instance, a study on stroke survivors established that listening to music helped them improved their verbal memory, had better focus, and were less confused.
Healthy Brain
A report released in 2020 by AARP Music and Brain Health Survey found that listening to music, musical recordings, and musical performances had a positive impact on the overall mental wellbeing of a person. Additionally, instances of depression and anxiety were reduced with the likely outcome being a healthy brain. Music is more like an exercise in that it helps people pick themselves when they are feeling down, whether emotionally or physically.
Music Reduces Stress
Music brings about a “relaxing” feeling due to its low pitch, high tempo, or lyrics. When people listen to music, they tend to be engaged, and it is this form of engagement that has been found to reduce stress, with the likely outcome being leading a happy life. This can be attributed to the doctrine that music engages people and diverts their attention from issues affecting their mental wellbeing. Music also helps in lowering the cortisol hormone, which is associated with stress. Therefore, when people are going through challenges, most tend to rely on music to see them through these challenges as their stress levels are reduced.
Enhances Your Physical Activities
Numerous studies that have been conducted have established that music enhances aerobic exercises and boosts physical and mental stimulation. This explains why most people prefer to exercise with their music one. Additionally, it explains why gyms always have background music during gym sessions.
Music Provides Comfort
Music has been used to enhance communication between people and also as a form of expression. For example, when people feel lonely or sad, they rely on music to lift their spirits and make them feel whole again. On the other hand, music genres such as grunge rock and gangsta hip hop have been used to express anger and raise awareness on existing inequalities.
Stimulates and Keeps Memories
Music has been used as a form of therapy, especially in people who have Alzheimer’s disease. This can be attributed to the doctrine that music relieves symptoms associated with the disease by making agitated patients feel some form of relaxation, improving their moods, and facilitating communication between them and doctors. Additionally, research conducted on the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s found that music has a beneficial impact on brain chemicals such as oxytocin and dopamine, which are respectively associated with pleasure and love/affection.
Cohesion and Social Connection
One of the most important aspects of music is its ability to bring about a sense of social connectedness and cohesion. This can be based on the doctrine that when one plays a musical instrument, those listening to him are not only entertained but get a sense of connection. Additionally, through music, there is a form of unity between listeners and those playing the music. This is usually common, especially when the people listening to the music have a connection to it. For example, national anthems are a clear indication of how music unites people. On the other hand, lullabies enable parents to have a sense of belonging and connection with their children.v
