As humans, the brain and nervous system is hard-wired to separate music from noise and to give responses to rhythm, tones, repetition and tunes. A wonder isn't it? Music enhances performance and human health.
According to research, blood flows faster when music is played. It also reduces heart rate, reduces stress hormone (cortisol) levels, lowers blood pressure and increases the level of endorphin and serotonin in the blood. This also goes a long way to elevate mood and boost production of dopamine hormone in the brain. The feeling one gets upon hearing a certain song is often second to none. It brings back memories of calm or happy moments. As humans, we have the ability to distinguish between music and noise. There are different pathways in our brains that process melody, tempo, rhythm and pitch of music. Fast music can increase heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, while softer, slower music does the opposite.
Studies have proven that when you hear music you like, the brain releases a chemical known as dopamine which affects the mood positively. Music also gives us feelings of strong emotions like joy, sadness, fear, that is to say it can move us. Some researchers have also linked music to being instrumental to improving our health and general well-being.
This goes beyond a doubt to say that music therapy should be used more often in the health care system. From solid evidence, it goes beyond a doubt to prove that music has numerous health benefits, and as such professionals are clamoring for more utilization of music therapy in the healthcare system.
Most health professionals are of the belief that music therapy can provide an alternative treatment option for certain health conditions like tension headaches.
Till date, there is still evidence, based on research that there's more to our connection with music than emotions. So next time you tune in to your favorite song, dance around a little, being safe and knowing that you're reaping some health benefits.
Effects of Music
On the mind:
● Leads to better learning
● Improves memory
● Help treat mental illness
On mood:
● Lowers anxiety
● Suppress symptoms of depression
On the body:
● Helps heart health
● Reduce fatigue
● Boost exercise movement
● Manage pain
Improves mood: Research has proven that listening to music has great benefits on our general well-being as it regulates emotions, creates happiness and relaxation in our day to day life.
Reduces stress: Getting a feel of relaxing music reduces anxiety and stress in healthy people and those with underlying medical conditions e.g dental, surgery, colonoscopy.
Lessens anxiety: For people with cancer, standard care, in combination with good music helped to reduce anxiety when compared to those who got care alone.
Improves exercise: Music enhances aerobic exercise, physical and mental stimulation, and increases general performance.
Improves memory: According to research, the repetitive elements of melody and rhythm help our brains build patterns that boost memory. In stroke survivors, music helped improve their verbal memory, better focus and less confusion.
Eases pain: Patients recovering from surgery and listened to music, in the process of the surgery experienced less pain and more satisfaction than those who did not.
Provides comfort: Music therapy has helped enhance communication, expression of feelings like fear, anger, loneliness in patients with a severe illness.
Improves cognition: The benefits of music extends to improving the case of Alzheimer's as it helps recall memories and maintain mental abilities. Children with autism are not left out as the music therapy helped improve communication skills, social responses and attention skills.
Soothes premature babies: Lullabies help impact vital signs, improve sucking patterns and feeding behaviors in premature infants.
The takeaway:
Music gives off a powerful influence on us as human beings. It goes a long way to lighten mood, boost memory, relieve one of fatigue, carry out exercises, amongst other benefits. Having gone through these, let's harness the wealth of benefits we can gain from music and work towards being healthier individuals.
Stay Safe!
Miss Ezinne Ogechukwu Onyeneke
(Zinny)
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