Music has always been one of the largest forms of entertainment. With its evergreen popularity, it’s no wonder that so many music professionals have become idols in today’s society. But did you know that music can also improve mental health? In fact, it is often directly connected with your mood.
Have you ever turned on romantic music when you wanted to improve the atmosphere of a date? Or blasted hardcore rock when you were feeling upset? The reasons behind these moves are most likely attributed to the distinctive connection between music and your mental health.
In fact, several studies over the years have shown the benefits of listening to music for mental health reasons. In 2011, the British Journal of Psychiatry performed a large-scale review of a cumulative 400 published research articles that examined the effects of music on the brain. Their findings showed that music can improve the immune system, reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and enhance the pleasure center of the brain.
Here are several ways that music can make you feel better throughout your day according to studies.
- Improved Cognitive Functions
Many testing centers in colleges and research facilities play soft, classical music in the background while students and participants take tests. Some studies have shown that the music improves a person’s cognitive performance, while others simply show that music affects an individual’s mental function according to their associations. For example, if the type of music playing in the background improves the participant’s mood, it will make them perform better and vice versa. Either way, there are more positive results for those who listen to music while test taking than negative.
- Less Stressful Travel
Thousands have found that a combination of music and traveling help improve their overall mood. According to this infographic created by Ticketbis, over 60,000 people have traveled around the world for music and entertainment reasons. Studies show that one of the biggest reasons behind this major movement is the soothing effect of music on the mind.
Music can also help to reduce some of the stress associated with driving. Several studies performed by the Phillips Research Laboratories show that those who listened to music while traveling reported a better mood upon arriving at their destination.
- Better Sleep
Those who suffer from the mentally debilitating effects of poor sleep have found that music can actually work as a sleep aid. Instead of using medication, many have found that playing soft, classical music in the background before they go to bed leads to a better night’s sleep and improved performance the next day.
- Reduced Stress
Listening to music actually causes a chemical change in the brain that effectively reduces stress. The sound of your favorite music can trigger biochemical transmitters in the brain that send a calming signal to your nerves. It allows you to let go of some of the bigger stressors of your day and get back to focusing on the important things.
- Decreased Depression
Whether you’re chronically depressed or just have a bad day every now and then, countless studies have show that listening to music can help to relieve the symptoms of depression.
However, there’s a catch. You need to listen to the right kind of music in order for it to have the desired effect. Classical and meditative music helps you feel more upbeat and elevated while heavy metal and techno can actually make depressive symptoms worse.
- Boosted Immune system
As strange as it may sound, some studies have actually shown that listening to music can help boost your immune system. Music increases the amount of antibodies your body produces, which is the key to fighting off any infection.
If you’re a music fan, this is great news for you! Keep listening and absorb the positive effects of your favorite hobby. Try new genres and see which ones improve your mood and which ones hurt it.
If you’re not a music fan, it’s time to jump on board. Millions have discovered the mentally healing powers of music, and you can too.
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