How Music Actually Helps You

It is not unheard of that music has many benefits on the body and mind. These benefits are numerous and backed up by scientific evidence. It is important to take care of ourselves, and finding out how and why music can help you, especially during these difficult times, is just another way to do so.
 
Here’s why and how music helps you:

1. Music Helps Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

One of the most known benefits of music is its positive impact on mental health. Although there is a lot of scientific evidence to prove this, anyone can testify that music often helps them feel better. Music has the power to affect your mood and your emotions. Some people even have “anxiety playlists” with songs they know can help them calm down in times of distress.
 
Music therapy is being researched to help treat other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Although more research needs to be done, it has shown great results so far. It is shown that music can trigger the release of neurochemicals that promote mental health. One simple example is the release of serotonin, also known as the hormone responsible for joy. For someone who is suffering from depression, music can reach out to them in a way nothing else can.

2. Music Can Motivate You in Everyday Life

As my mom always told me when I complained about doing some house chores, “Play some music, it’ll make it fun.” It is true, music has the power of making any task more enjoyable. The type of music depends on the person. For some, some good upbeat music will pump them up and motivate them. For others, some calm piano or guitar might work better.
 
Everyone is different, but we should not underestimate the power of music. If lyrics are too distracting, there are wonderful instrumental songs out there that can fit any taste. Nowadays, access to music is unlimited. Any music from any part of the world is just one tap away. Explore and find what gets your blood pumping and your brain running.

3. Music Can Improve Cognitive Response 

Although there are some controversial opinions on whether music helps to learn better or not, studies show that indeed, listening to music stimulates the brain. Once your brain is engaged, learning is a lot easier. Doctors from Johns Hopkins have done research using MRI machines to see which parts of the brain light up when people listen or create music.

The results are truly incredible and should not be pushed aside. Listening to music or playing music has been compared to a “brain workout”, which speaks for itself. It certainly is beneficial.

4. Music Can Help Prevent Mental Health Problems

Studies show that music could actually help with mental and physical health problems. Music has the power to help people recall old memories they had forgotten and helps keep the brain engaged. For people who suffer from mild or moderate dementia, this could truly be helpful in their recovery or at least in helping slow the process.

However, let’s be careful; music has not shown any results in reversing the effects of Alzheimer's. But if you or someone you know are suffering from a neurological illness, don’t hesitate in looking it up online or asking your doctor if music could help you. They will be able to give you good and accurate information.

5. Music Can Help With Physical Health Problems

Studies show that music can actually help lower blood pressure, help with pain tolerance, and help sleep better. Sleeping better can then help with many other health problems we may have that are caused by lack of sleep, such as headaches, mood swings, and fatigue.

As for blood pressure, your body has the ability to match out with the music you listen to, so listening to music to control your heart rate and breathing can be helpful. For pain, listening to music can distract our minds from the discomfort we are feeling. 

Like many, I can say that whenever I feel uncomfortable or unwell, listening to music is the main thing I do to take my mind off of it. Once I stop thinking about the pain, it feels like it lessens and I feel a lot better.

6. Music Can Help You Stay in Good Shape

Music can also help keep your heart healthy and help you feel better physically. There’s a reason people listen to music when they workout. It’s a lot more motivating, so you’ll move more, and you’ll be healthier in return.

As we’ve mentioned before, music can help with stress and anxiety. The list of symptoms you can suffer from constant stress is long. It is no secret that anxiety can affect your body, not only your mind. So, less stress means less strain on your heart and body, which means you’ll be healthier. A healthy mind promotes a healthy body.

7. Music Helps You Live Better 

Music can positively affect your emotions, your brain, and your body. If you take the time to assess how your body reacts to different types of music, you will truly taste the benefits. Music will help you live a happier, less stressful life, in which you will be able to accomplish a lot more.

I often wonder how life would be without music, and I simply cannot imagine it. Life would be a lot more boring without the beauty and joy that comes from happy songs and without the sympathy and feeling of being understood that comes from sad songs. Life would be a lot harder.

8. Music Helps You Live Longer

As music is beneficial for your health, it could actually help you live longer. And even if it doesn’t, the time you spent will have been a lot more enjoyable, that’s for sure. It will also keep your mind young and healthy for a longer time. Life is short, we should take every opportunity to improve it and make sure it’s the best possible.

9. Music Is a Universal Language

The best thing about music is that it’s in a language we all speak: emotion. All humans feel emotions, and whether you understand the lyrics of a song or not, you can feel the intention of the musician and understand the emotion delivered.
 
Music has the power to pull at your heartstrings in a way nothing else can. Some songs can make you cry, some can make you smile, some can make you angry, and some can make you dance. It has the power to transcend all borders and connect people from all over the world. It truly is special.

10. Music Connects to Your Emotions

Different music will affect different people in different ways. But surely there is something for everyone out there. No one learns emotions, we just feel them. Which is what makes music so special. It has the ability to reach the hearts of even the most closed-off people. Music can sometimes express emotions that can’t be explained with words.

In conclusion, the list of benefits from music is long. It can help everyone differently. What is considered a masterpiece for one might be insignificant for another, but what matters is to find what moves you personally. Don’t let other people dictate what you should like or not. Once you’ve found what gets at your heartstrings, just sit back, listen, and relax.