Music has been the subject of numerous academic studies around the world, investigating its beneficial effects on health and mental wellness. While you may be aware of these effects first-hand, research has consistently proven that listening to music can often make a more powerful impact than medication on your health and well-being. Here are four ways that listening to music is good for your health.
Boosts Your Happiness
Listening to your favorite music is a proven, easy way to elevate your mood. A study from McGill University showed that large amounts of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine were released after participants listened to music they like, causing them to feel happy and excited. You can experience this natural high after hearing your favorite songs for at least 15 minutes. So, if you’re feeling down, just put on your favorite tunes and let them lift your spirits!
Enhances Your Immune System
It might sound too good to be true, but listening to certain genres of music can elevate your immune system function, possibly helping you recover from colds and other seasonal illnesses more quickly. A study conducted by Wilkes University demonstrated that soothing music increases the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the immune system, an antibody that plays an important role in defending against bacterial and viral invaders. Upbeat dance music and smooth jazz also have the same positive effect on IgA levels. So, next time you’re feeling under the weather, consider putting on some soothing or upbeat music to help your body fight off any infections.
Maximizes Your Workout
Listening to fast-tempo music can inspire you to work out more intensely, increasing your heart rate while making the exercise feel like less effort. Recent research has shown that your favorite songs with at least 170 beats per minute can turbo-charge your workout. The effect is greater with endurance exercises such as biking or jogging, but it also has a positive impact on high-intensity workouts like swimming laps and jumping rope. So, if you want to maximize the benefits of your workout, create a playlist of your favorite high-tempo songs and let the music push you to the limit.
Improves Sleep Quality
Soothing music can calm you down and help you sleep better at night. Research has shown that listening to relaxing classical music reduces anxiety and decreases respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate, helping to relax muscles and distract you from your thoughts. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try some soothing music as a natural and safe alternative to medication. So, next time you’re struggling to catch some z’s, put on some calming tunes to help you drift off into dreamland.
Listening to music can have numerous benefits for your health and well-being. From boosting your happiness and enhancing your immune system to maximizing your workout and improving sleep quality, music is a powerful tool that can improve your life in many ways. So, why not start incorporating music into your daily routine and reap the benefits for yourself?
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