Music is a universal language. It’s is a big part of human beings. We listen to music all the time. We try to sing in the shower, listen to music at the gym, and carry on with our daily activities. While we mostly see music as a source of entertainment, music has several mental health benefits.
Music reduces stress
We can all relate to this. Think of a time when you had a long day and you listened to slow music. The impact is almost instantaneous. Listening to music whether a song or instrumentals helps take your mind away from the stressful issue temporarily.
Music helps improve cognitive abilities.
You have probably come across people who prefer to study with soft music playing in the background. Such people claim that they understand concepts better with background music playing. Some may also argue that playing music while performing another task is distracting. However, researchers suggest that music can help improve cognitive performance. A study on the impact of playing classical music, specifically Mozart, while studying Mathematics resulted in the learners scoring higher marks than those who studied without the music. It is, however, advisable to select instrumental music to avoid the temptation of singing along to complex lyrics.
More proof that music helps with cognitive abilities is the use of music in teaching children. If you are a parent or stay close to one, you can attest to this. Music helps children learn new things and improve their vocabulary.
Music also helps in enhancing memory. If you attended schools like mine, we used music to remember certain topics. In primary school, we memorized the order of the Old Testament books in the bible through music. To date, I still need to sing the song to actually figure out the order of the books. For some people, listening to music while learning something makes them associate that particular song to the item learnt.
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Music increases motivation
Oftentimes, when one is feeling low, listening to a certain genre of music, can help them feel motivated. The motivation can come from the message in the music. For example, if a religious person listens to reassuring music them then they are likely to feel an upsurge of positive energy. Rock artists to have deep uplifting lyrics. It could also be an upbeat tune that motivates you to do something. If you were feeling lazy to complete a certain chore, playing a fast tune can get you on your feet.
Music therapy is effective in tackling mental health illnesses
Music therapy is a popular treatment program for people suffering from mental illness. People with mental health issues struggle with expressing themselves. Music helps with expression. For some playing a musical instrument helps them articulate themselves while others sing. In some patients, it’s not about expression but rather the calming effect that the music has on them. Just like in people without mental health problems, music soothes and uplifts the patients.
Music can help with weight loss
A report conducted showed that you are likely to eat less if you have your meals while listening to mellow music. The slow music creates a relaxed atmosphere. Think about the pace at which you have your meal at a fast-food restaurant. Compare that to the pace at an intimate or proper restaurant. At a restaurant with slow music and dim lights, you have your meal at a slower pace. In such an atmosphere you are more likely to notice that you are full and hence eat less.
Music can help you sleep better
For people who suffer from insomnia, music has been proven to be a good remedy. Of course, not all genres of music would help you with this, it would have to be relaxing music. Specifically, studies have shown that classical music can help you sleep better. The next time you can’t sleep try listening to something classical.
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