Music is a fundamental aspect of many of our lives. We love its rhythm that has become hardwired in our brains, its melody that holds the power to cure the most horrific of heartaches, and the beat that instills in us the confidence and motivation to be better.
While it may sound cheesy, these ideas are actually based in fact, these characteristics of music offering real and undeniable medical benefits.
Music triggers an emotional response. Everybody has a song that reminds them of a special moment of their lives, a song that becomes representative of one’s best memories. With that deep connection we naturally have with music, it’s not surprising that it actually improves our mental health. It reduces stress, elevates mood, and manages and eases pain. It’s even been proven that listening to music increases the amount of dopamine produced in the brain.
Not only is music an effective treatment for symptoms of depression, it also spreads awareness for mental health disorders. One Californian artist in particular, Kendrick Lamar, has adopted mental health issues as a main idea in his music, raising awareness of the subject and, by extension, supporting the movement to help reduce mental health struggles worldwide.
Music is also an effective overall stress reliever. Studies show that infants stay calm for longer periods of time when they listen to music than when they are spoken to. This concept translates directly to members of all age groups- the repetitive pattern of the music decreases stress and promotes the body’s ability to synchronize internal and external rhythms, pulses and beats.
But the medical benefits of music go beyond mental health- music therapy is making an appearance in other areas of health care. In fact, this modern form of health care is soon expected to even replace current strategies of treatment.
Firstly, in reducing anxiety and physical pain for individuals who have recently undergone surgery. In a MedicalNewsToday study, of 7,000 patients surveyed, those who listened to music after their procedure reported feeling less pain than those who did not, and were less likely to need pain medication.
Additionally, music has been found to be good for cardiovascular health. Blood flows more easily when music is being played; it can also lower one’s resting heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels, while increasing both serotonin and endorphin levels.
Whether it’s mental health or physical, the power of music is proving to be an effective remedy. So next time you decide to turn off the Ariana Grande or Kanye West on the radio, take a minute to remember that you’re setting yourself up for a better mental state and cardiovascular health with just five more minutes of Spotify.
