Health 101: 7 little-known benefits of listening to music

There is more power in pressing the play button than you realise. Music has the ability to take you back in time, spark a dance party or get you in the mood for a nice and relaxing evening. In a nutshell, music can positively affect your life in a very, very real way.

From a happier mindset to greater motivation, there is a host of wonderful reasons you should let yourself get lost in a good tune from time to time. Compiled from The Huffington Post, here are just a few science-backed benefits of listening to your favorite songs. If these don’t get you to plug in your headphones then we don’t know what will.

1) Music relieves anxiety

Recent studies show that listening to music can physiologically ease stress and even reduce many symptoms of depression. In fact, according to some researchers from the United Kingdom, certain songs can reduce anxiety up to 65%. In a nutshell, music is like a veritable medicine for your mind. 

2) It can put you in a good mood

It might sound a tad far-fetched but a happy tune can really have you feeling like you’re ‘walking on sunshine’ – pun intended! Fast, bouncy and loud music can elevate your mood and leave you feeling happier overall. 

3) It can help you heal

Admittedly, we have all wallowed in self-pity after a bad experience with Adele blaring in the background. Guess what? Science shows it may help. Research suggests sad music may actually induce positive emotions. A 2014 study found that when people listened to melancholic songs, they experienced more empathy because they connected to the sadness of the music’s artist but experienced no “real life implications” of the sad event. This, in turn, can feel cathartic, according to experts. 

4) Music can be motivating during a workout

Pumping music may be the key to pumping more iron. Studies suggest that music boosts your workout and motivation for exercise, by getting you pumped for it. It may also help you run faster and improve your endurance. 

5) It can improve your sleep

A 2008 study found that listening to classical music helped ease insomnia symptoms in college students. Another research suggests music can put you in a meditative state. Talk about a nice and fun way to enhance those much-needed naps! 

6) It’s a performance enhancer

If you’ve got a big project coming up around the corner, you should listen to some music. Studies show background music can boost cognitive performance on tasks such as academic tests but it may depend on the type of music being played and whether or not it boosts your mood. According to research, upbeat music can help you do well under pressure. 

7) Music sticks with you

There’s a reason those old boy band songs never fade from your heart. Music is the ultimate prompt for nostalgia. Experts believe that your brain stays attached to music you listened to when you were younger because that was when you were gaining a sense of yourself, your social connections and the world around you. In a way, the songs you listened to back in the day helped in the formation of your identity and who you are now. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2016.

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