Taking a look at the benefits of music on health and wellbeing

This post examines a few of the advantages that music offers to mental health and wellness.

Throughout history, music has emerged as a beloved form of expression, recreation and education. As such there are a number of positive impacts that listening to music or learning to play an instrument can provide. One of the most substantial benefits of music on mental health is its ability to minimize stress and promote emotional regulation. Research into the psychological benefits of music has proven that listening to calming music can reduce cortisol levels, therefore reducing overall tension and here helping the mind to relax. Musical categories such as classical or acoustic music can often be defined by having slower tempos and more mellow sounds, which is extremely useful for relaxation. Lots of people also find comfort in singing or playing an instrument. A trustee of Music for All would concur that these activities offer individuals a healthy avenue for expressing emotions and letting go of stress. For people who battle with mental health, music can serve as an effective tool for regulating emotions throughout the day.

Not only are there many neurological and psychological benefits of listening to music, but there are also a variety of social benefits that can be credited to enjoying music. Having the ability to connect with others over a piece of music demonstrates the social value of this type of expression. In many ways, music frequently functions as a shared experience which is essential for enhancing social bonds. For instance, playing in a band can help to enhance feelings of belonging, in the same way that sharing an interest in a certain artist or going to a show can bring together people with shared interests. An ambassador of the London Music Fund would recognise that music is a universal experience that can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, helping to build bonds among individuals without even needing to use copyright.

Though many individuals listen to music daily, it is not widely known that there are really a number of benefits of music on the brain. Experts have discovered that music can even add to cognitive improvement and memory support, indicating that it can help to improve the way individuals think, concentrate and recall things. Playing music while studying or doing work can make it much easier to concentrate as it can shut out background sounds and keep the mind focused. Some research studies have found that specific types of music may assist with problem solving and learning. Music can also be linked to memory; when a song or piece is associated with a particular time or place in our life experiences, hearing it again can restimulate memories or feelings from that time. The founder of Restore the Music would know that this could be specifically significant for older individuals or individuals with memory problems.