Food for the Soul…And the Body?
It is no secret that music is the “food of the soul” because of its profound impact on our spirit. However, music is not only good for our souls, it’s also good for our mental, physical and social wellbeing. Here’s how…
The True Power of Music
1. Music and Your Mood.
Studies have shown that listening to music can increase the blood flow to your limbic system that controls your emotions, mood, memory and motivation; resulting in the release of “feel-good” neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins. These neurochemicals play a role in mood stabilisation and feeling good. Notably, in stabilising your moods, it in turn reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. That’s why listening to your favourite song after a long day always seems to hit the spot.
2. Music and Your Mind
Studies have further indicated that music improves learning by increasing motivation to learn, focus and memory. It has also been shown to slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease patients, albeit not reverse it.
3. Music and Your Body
Music has been shown to support your physical health by increasing your exercise performance, specific antibodies for immune system support, supporting healing, and reducing cortisol (stress hormone), blood pressure and your heart rate.
4. Music and Your Community
Music can be a social experience and can have many benefits including, strengthening bonds with others, helping create cultural understanding and awareness (e.g. certain genres have cultural origins), is supports self- and group-expression, and it connects people of different backgrounds to promote diversity and growth.
Not All Music is Created Equal – What should you be listening to?
There are more than a thousand music genres that exist, no kidding, and sometimes choosing what to listen to can be difficult. Here are some benefits of some well-known genres:
Classical – classical music is widely known to support cognitive functioning, focus, stress levels and relaxation. This is why it is commonly used during studying or working.
Rock and Indie – rock music has been found to help support the moods and emotions of listeners, and can feel cathartic to them, thus having a therapeutic quality. Lastly, indie specifically can also promote relaxation
Jazz – jazz has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, it supports creativity and builds cognitive function, it also has health benefits in terms of improving cardiovascular health
Pop – pop gives you energy and helps support endurance – especially during exercise
Rap – research has indicated that rap can help support individuals going through depression, as well as have therapeutic qualities and promote creativity
EDM & House – improves mood and promotes dancing which in turn supports health
Lofi Hip-hop (Lofi) – this is an up and rising genre that has gained popularity amongst youth and specific communities. Lofi Hip-Hop is excellent for focus, improved productivity, and sleep quality. It also supports mood by reducing anxiety. It is for this reason that many people use Lofi to study or relax.
So, in summary, all genres have differing benefits and the benefits intensify based on your preference of music. So really, it’s down to what you enjoy listening to and what you need to hear at the time. Let the What are you listening to today?
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