Most people listen to music because they enjoy it, and it makes them feel good, and this is precisely why it is so good for your health. Science backs up the general consensus that music is good for you, so why not use it with a little more purpose to relieve stress and boost moods?
Health Heart
What is the best way to reduce your stress levels and flood the brain with a feel-good chemical? If your answer has something to do with medication, then think again; all you have to do is pick the right kind of guitars music and plug yourself in. That’s right; music can enhance the way you feel.
Not only that, music is excellent for your heart health. Listening to relaxing music slows down brain activity and makes your blood flow more easily. Not only does this reduce blood pressure, but it also reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the brain and releases serotonin and endorphins.
Better Mood
We all know that music helps us to feel good, but do we know why? One of the reasons is that it makes us happy, and this releases dopamine in the brain. These natural dopamine levels make us smile naturally, relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression for anyone in a bad mood.
It’s true that dopamine is released in the brain because of a change in the way we think and process information when listening to music, but that’s not the only reason. Music is processed in part of the brain called the amygdala, which is a part of the brain involved in mood regulation.
Reduced Stress
Some people come home from work and drink a glass of wine to de-stress, but alcohol isn’t the best way to reduce stress in your system. In fact, rather than reducing stress, alcohol can increase it because it is a chemical depressant. But there’s a better way, listen to some music.
When you come home, put on one of your favourite tunes and listen to it through a quality set of headphones, this changes the way you think and reflect, improving your mood and shifting your brain from work mode to relaxation mode. The brain supports you with biochemical processes.
Reduced Depression
Some people struggle with depression more than others, but no matter where you sit on the spectrum, music can help. Of course, if you have very severe depression, you will probably need some medication as well, but don’t let that stop you from using music for some extra inspiration.
As mentioned, music is processed in the amygdala, which is the same part of the brain that regulates mood and releases dopamine. For that reason, you can alter the way you feel by spending some time with your favourite artists and bands. And why not see a live show?
Enhanced Memory
When your brain is relaxed, it helps you reflect more easily and brings memories back to the fore that you had forgotten about for a long time. So whether you have memory issues or you simply want to reflect for a time, put on your favourite music and watch your overall health improve.