There is no question that music affects us all. Whether it’s the catchy tune of a Lady Gaga hit or the soothing sounds of Beethoven, music has an influence on our minds and souls.
It is because of this, we should show appreciation to all musicians who bring magic into our lives. People often overlook just how important music is to society, but here are 15 reasons why it should not be taken for granted.
Here are 15 Reasons Why Music Is Important
1. It Eases Anxiety
Music has been shown to help people reduce anxiety and calm themselves when they are upset. This can be extremely beneficial for people who cannot control their emotions or who are in the midst of mental illness. For example, children with autism often listen to music while engaging in a specific activity to help them stay calm during that time.
2. It Helps Us Relax
Not only does music help us reduce feelings of anxiety, but it can also help people feel relaxed and calm down after a long day. Music stimulates the brain to release serotonin, which is the feel-good chemical in our bodies that helps us relieve stress.
3. It Increases Cognitive Ability
A study done by the University of California showed that listening to background classical music can help improve cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and attention. The most substantial gains were found in one’s ability to learn new information both quickly and accurately.
4. Music Can Improve Your Mood
Have you ever been in a bad mood and then heard your favorite song on the radio? Studies have shown that listening to music can change our moods. One study published by Science Direct revealed that students with positive expectations about how music would make them feel experienced a significant improvement in their mood when listening to happy music.
5. Music May Help You Live Longer
While music might not cure diseases like cancer, studies show that it can actually help you live longer. When sedentary seniors started dancing to their favorite songs, they felt more energetic and were even able to sleep better. So the next time your grandma asks you to dance with her at family gatherings, say YES!
6. Music Can Make You a Better Person
Some people say that listening to music can make you a better person. Although it might not change who you are, it can certainly make you more open-minded and understanding of other cultures.
In 2011, a study was published that showed that increased altruistic behavior is associated with greater music involvement in adolescents and emerging adults. They found that individuals who engaged more frequently in musical activities were also more likely to volunteer and give their time to help others.
7. It Increases Stamina
Believe it or not, there are studies showing that people who listen to music while exercising tend to run or work out longer. It can also boost your endurance during physical activity. So, the next time you hit the gym, turn on your favorite song to help you lift more weight or run for longer.
8. Music Can Help You Relax
Taking the time to listen to your favorite songs can help you unwind and relax after a long day. It’s been shown that just 10 minutes of music can help people significantly reduce their stress levels. In fact, it has been proven to have even more of a relaxing effect than massage therapy!
9. It Improves Your Sleep
Due to music’s ability to influence emotions, it can also be extremely beneficial for our sleeping patterns. Background melodies with repetitive beats help release the hormone prolactin, which helps make us sleepy. So if you have trouble falling asleep at night, put on your headphones and drift away to dreamland!
10. It Can Improve Your Social Life
If you’re an introvert who struggles with social interactions, music might actually help. Playing instruments or learning how to DJ can not only make life more fun, but it can also teach you valuable skills that could be useful in the future. In fact, some colleges even offer music classes as a major!
11. It Can Boost Your Brain Power
Yes, you can actually make your brain more efficient by listening to certain types of music. Studies show that students who listen to classical music while studying score higher on exams than those who don’t jam out while cramming for tests. So for all you college kids out there, make sure you have your headphones on!
12. It Can Lower Rates of Depression and Stress
Many people who suffer from depression have reported that listening to their favorite tunes has decreased the severity of their symptoms, including sadness and hopelessness. This can be extremely beneficial for those who are struggling with mental illness – especially if they have a hard time finding joy or happiness in life.
13. It Can Improve Your Overall Well-Being and Quality of Life
Remember when we talked about serotonin and how it affects your mood? Studies show that music can actually improve your well-being and quality of life. Even listening to your favorite songs can make you feel happier, calmer, and more energized throughout the day.
14. You Can Make Money with Music
In 2011, it was estimated by Business Insider that there were over three million music producers in the United States alone. This number is expected to rise as today’s technology allows anyone to create their own music.
15. It Improves Your Ability to Multitask
A study published in The Journal of Experimental Psychology found that individuals who play musical instruments are able to multitask more efficiently than those who don’t because they can dedicate some of their brainpower for both activities simultaneously. This demonstrates how playing an instrument benefits the cognitive function of the brain.
16. It Can Improve Your Focus and Attention Span
According to a study published in The Journal of Experimental Psychology, playing an instrument can improve one’s focus and attention span because musicians have been known to automatically allocate more attentional resources toward musical information. This demonstrates how music participation enhances the function of the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for attention span, focus, and decision-making.
17. It Can Improve Your Reflexes
A study published in The Journal of Experimental Psychology showed that individuals who play instruments are better at reacting to stimuli than those who don’t because musicians have the ability to focus on multiple stimuli simultaneously while playing an instrument. This demonstrates how music participation improves the function of the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for attention span and decision-making.
18. It Soothes Tension Headaches
It’s no secret that some people get tension headaches, but did you know that listening to music can actually help ease the pain? Just turn on your favorite song and relax for a while – stress is one of the major causes of tension headaches.
Conclusion
While it is true that an individual may not become a professional musician but the benefits of music participation cannot be ignored.
In fact, even those who play casually can enjoy similar or better benefits as opposed to those who do not participate at all. This is because the more you practice and perform, the more your ability improves and positively influences many aspects of your life.
No matter the type of music you prefer, it is best to engage in some form of music participation because it can enhance many aspects of an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life.