Health benefits of music
Music has been part and parcel of human civilization and has played a significant role in shaping our culture. However, aside from a cultural role, there are also many health benefits of music that modern science has been able to confirm.
Lowered anxiety and stress
High levels of cortisol from long-term stress increase blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. Evidence has shown that listening to music can calm people down and put them in a more relaxed state. Reduced anxiety also helps to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone the body releases when under stress.
Alleviating depression
Studies have concluded that listening to music, mainly classical combined with jazz, positively affected depression symptoms. To achieve the best results, you are advised to work with certified music therapists over several sessions.
Improved heart health
Studies have shown that listening to music can promote better heart health. Listening to classical music has shown evidence of inducing stable breath rate, heart rate and blood pressure.
Decreased fatigue
Music with a quick tempo can energize people, whilst relaxing music has been proven to reduce fatigue and improve muscle endurance when engaging in a repetitive task. Music therapy has also reduced fatigue in people receiving cancer treatments.
Boosted exercise performance
Ever felt that music helps you maintain focus and go longer during exercise? Research has confirmed that working out with music improves your mood, focus and efficiency. Quick-paced music also helps you to reach peak performance using less oxygen than if you did the same workout without the beat.
Pain management
Multiple studies have proven the efficiency of music therapy in alleviating both acute and chronic pain, as compared to only usage of pain medication alone.
Conclusion
There are many health benefits of music as it exerts a powerful influence on us. It can boost memory, build task endurance, lighten your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, stave off fatigue, improve your response to pain, and help you work out more effectively.
If you have hypertension or are pre-hypertensive, why not put on some relaxing music and let it work its magic.
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