How Music Affects Our Health

Praise Maukazuva, 14 February 2017

Most people think that music is just music or that it is just a catchy rhythm or beat to dance to, or something to keep you company when you are alone or bored. And then there are people who distaste music completely, as they think it affects them negatively and give them negative thoughts.

To lesser extent these facts are true. But did you know that music actually affect our health in a highly positive way. It is amazing how it can actually enhance certain functions of the brain and how it can evoke the deepest emotions in people, to be able to process fear, grief, sadness and resentment.

First of all, playing is the brain equivalent of a full body workout. It keeps the brain healthy especially as it ages resulting in better memory and mental sharpness. Yes! Music helps you regain your memory. This is because while listening to it, you can actually picture an old memory from that day it was playing. Like I said, it is truly amazing.

Next up, we have the impacts on the heart, pulse rate and also blood pressure. According to the reports from the Massachusetts General Hospital Patients that listened to music 30 minutes a day had lower blood pressure, slower pulse rate compared to the ones that did not. So not only does music strengthen the heart it actually helps with faster recovery in heart disease.

Another music therapy was carried out at Mayo Clinic in Florida. It was part of the Healing Enhancement Program, where patients would listen to music before, during and after a heart surgery. The clinic worked with Chip Davis the leader of the rock music, Mannheim Steamroller.

Below is a video of Chip Davis talking about music therapy and how he gathered nature sounds for patients to ease their pain.

DID YOU KNOW

DID YOU KNOW

DID YOU KNOW

The quality of sleep you get depends on heart rates, and because music helps slow down the heart rate, we can get a good quality of sleep, sleeping patterns. So a sweet sounding song can be good just before you sleep.

Music is one of the good sources of motivation in your life. We all know that we get a good feeling from listening to music. But what exactly will be happening to the brain during that time. The brain is releasing a chemical called “dopamine”. This chemical reduces chronic stress by lowering stress hormones that contribute to mental distress. The release of this chemical also helps with pain management, for example during surgeries or even giving birth!

Music is one of the good sources of motivation in your life. We all know that we get a good feeling from listening to music. But what exactly will be happening to the brain during that time. The brain is releasing a chemical called “dopamine”. This chemical reduces chronic stress by lowering stress hormones that contribute to mental distress. The release of this chemical also helps with pain management, for example during surgeries or even giving birth!

DID YOU KNOW

DID YOU KNOW

DID YOU KNOW

When you have a brain damage, the brain finds a pathway that will make re-function properly again, music on the other hand helps in creating that pathway thereby making the brain re-function properly.

There is strong evidence that listening to music or even playing a musical instrument such as the piano can have a positive impact on your health and brain function. It helps you improve your mood, enhance learning and concentration.

The above video shows us how music has changed Henry’s life. Henry had been admitted to a hospital for 10 years, and after being introduced to music he has remembered who he is and has reacquired his identity.

So what are you waiting for? Fill your life with some daily dose of Taylor Swift or any any artist of your choice now!

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from everyone loves music.”

-Billy Joel

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