The importance of music is often misunderstood. With an ability to impact our mental health, it can be a valuable tool for fighting anxiety and more.
There’s that one song you hear that takes you back to a special time and place. Everyone has a story like that, and it shows the importance of music in our lives.
Music is so much for so many people. It’s a way to connect, remember great times, get through a tough workout, and it can make us more productive.
It turns out that there are amazing mental health benefits of music, too. Read on to find out some of the positive impacts that music has on mental health.
1. Stress Reduction
Have you ever relaxed on a Sunday morning with a great jazz album? That feeling of relaxation is due to the reduction of stress that music can bring.
People tend to breathe and respond to the tempo of the music. Music at a high tempo can raise blood pressure and cause heart rates to rise.
Classical and jazz have been shown to reduce stress by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure levels. This can help you stay calm and more peaceful as well.
2. Relieves Depression and Anxiety
Music has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
You have to make sure that you listen to the right kind of music to see these benefits. Music can also support negative emotions like anger and sadness.
In other words, listening to your favorite breakup song over and over again probably isn’t the best thing for you.
Instead, search for playlists that lean towards classical or meditation music. Upbeat songs with a positive message are also helpful.
3. Improves Memory and Cognitive Functions
Music therapy has been shown to help improve the cognitive and memory functions in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have discovered that music reaches the part of the brain that hasn’t been impacted by the disease.
Another key finding is that playing an instrument or taking piano lessons can help you lower the risk of dementia.
4. Better Sleep
It’s no secret that most people struggle with getting a good night’s sleep. Music impacts the parasympathetic nervous system. That’s the system that gets your body and mind ready for sleep.
When you listen to relaxing music 45 to 60 minutes before bed, your body is ready for sleep. You sleep longer, deeper, and get the rest that you need.
5. More Motivation
Not all high-tempo music is bad. Try getting through a workout listening to a slow song or classical music. Music with a high tempo can be motivating and keep you focused on the task at hand.
Workers that are exposed to music throughout the day are more productive and reduce errors in their work.
The Importance of Music on Mental Health
There’s no doubt that music plays a significant role throughout life. You can easily remember certain times of your life with warm memories of people and places.
The importance of music on your mental health can’t be understated. It can help you sleep better, keep you motivated, and relieve depression and anxiety. It is important to remember that you have to listen to the right kind of music to reap these benefits.
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