I don't know about you, but music can make every aspect of my day better, whether I am working, relaxing, or in transit!
My favorite tune can make me feel awesome under almost any circumstance — and if a song is particularly amazing, I can listen to it all day long on repeat without ever getting sick of it.
And I definitely know that I'm not alone in this. Everyone loves music, whether they are making it or listening to it.
Even animals love music and will definitely bust a move when they hear their jam come on.
But did you know that the music you love so much can actually be beneficial to both your body and mind?
Music's ability to calm us down, make us happy, and get us in the zone during a workout can affect other parts of our lives in amazing ways.
So sit back, plug in some tunes while you're at it, and learn about the many benefits music has for your health.
Music Benefit #1: Improves Quality Of Sleep
Considering that noise and restfulness don't really go hand in hand, it may seem like music is counterproductive toward getting a good night's sleep.
However, according to WebMD, there is data that suggests certain types of tunes can promote a more restful night.
Much like the music that pumps you up while you are being active, tunes with a more relaxing tempo can help people fall asleep more easily.
Music Benefit #2: Reduces Stress
Your favorite tune can make you feel better in almost any circumstance, even if you are stressed out by a deadline or worried about an upcoming appointment.
Listening to music while working can greatly benefit your performance, while lowering your stress level.
Music Benefit #3: Elevates Mood
As stated before, we all have those beats that make us feel better, even if we are feeling a little down.
A 2103 analysis also found that people were more self-reflective when listening to music, which is important when working out an issue or wrestling with your emotions.
If you're in a bad mood, struggling with some personal issues, or just facing a chore or errand you've been dreading, your favorite music can help brighten your outlook.
Music Benefit #4: Decreases Appetite
A study from Cornell University found that participants ate 18 percent less calories when their surroundings were dimmed and soft music was playing.
A more relaxed environment, which can be heavily influenced by the music that we listen to, can put our bodies in such a state where we are unconsciously eating less.
Music Benefit #5: Increases Concentration
This is another instance where it may seem like music would distract us and make concentration even harder to achieve.
But the escape that it offers from our surroundings actually makes it easier to tune out and get stuff done.
More ambient music can calm us down as well, making it easier to focus on a task without getting distracted by stress.
Music Benefit #6: Improves Memory
Another way that music enhances your mind is by increasing dopamine and oxytocin levels in your brain.
These chemicals are “motivation molecules” that help you feel more positive, ambitious, and perceptive.
It also improves the brain's plasticity, or ability to expand, which can help your memory throughout the years, as well as your ability to learn new things.
Music Benefit #7: Lowers Pre-Surgery Anxiety And Blood Pressure
Just like it can ease your stress when you are at work, music can also calm you down during one of the most stressful situations imaginable — surgery!
Additionally, studies have shown that heart rates slow down in tempo with relaxing music, making it easier to relax and drift off.
Music Benefit #8: Encourages Post-Surgery Healing
After surgery, you can often feel both stressed out and in pain — which are both something that music can help with!
According to an article from Southern Medical Journal, music listeners needed few opioids and painkillers than those who aren't.
Music Benefit #9: Increases Articulation
Music therapy has been used in the past in tandem with speech rehabilitation.
What your ears hear and what your mouth says are inextricably linked — so the music we listen to affects what we say, how we say it, and how we express our thoughts.
This can help improve relationships or build new ones!
Music Benefit #10: Enhances Workouts
Music's aforementioned motivational properties can help you get in the zone and work harder.
Listening to something fun can distract you from machine numbers and aching muscles, allowing you to go further distances or get more done!
Music Benefit #11: Improves Immune System Function
Studies have shown that music can improve the body's immune system in immense ways.
As it turns out, music can be almost as effective as medication post surgery, as listeners had higher levels of immune-boosting bacteria, and lower levels of cortisol, a certain stress hormone.
So, there is actual evidence that listening to music, quite literally, is a healthy habit!
Clearly, it is so much more than something to soothe our ears. It offers us amazing benefits for our mind and body, making us into better versions of ourselves because of it!
If you love listening to music to distract yourself from the day, make sure to SHARE with friends and family on Facebook.
