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The Effects of Music on the Nervous System and Mind
Updated: Mar 4
Music has the power to calm us down or rev us up. Depending on what kind of music we’re listening to, we can experience different types of psychological effects. Listening to calming classical music or ambient tracks can reduce anxiety and stress levels by relaxing our nervous system and stimulating the pleasure centers in our brain. Meanwhile, upbeat songs like rock or pop may make us feel more energized and motivated. When we listen to these types of songs, it activates certain areas in our brain associated with reward pathways which triggers the release of dopamine : a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. This then makes us feel happier and more relaxed.
The Effects of Music on Our Physical Health
We all know that regular physical activity is important for our health, but did you know that listening to music while exercising can actually improve your physical performance? Studies have shown that music can be used as a tool to increase endurance during exercise by providing motivation and distraction from fatigue during intense workouts.
What About Our Mental Health?
In addition to physical performance, research suggests that music can also be beneficial for mental health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety (also read : The Benefits of Meditating with Music), improve mood, enhance sleep quality or provide a form of self-expression and release. Moreover, music has the power to decrease feelings of loneliness for those who are socially isolated due to illness or disability. It's worth a try!
The Effects of Music on Memory
Our memory is strongly connected to music. Many people report being able to recall vivid memories associated with certain songs they hear. This is because when we listen to music, it activates multiple areas within the brain responsible for storing verbal memory (words), visual memory (pictures), auditory memory (sounds) and emotional memory (feelings). In fact, recent studies suggest that certain types of musical training may even improve overall cognitive performance.
A Powerful Remedy
Music has the power to affect both our mind and body in substantial ways! From improving physical performance while exercising to reducing stress levels in everyday life and enhancing cognitive abilities, there are numerous benefits associated with listening to music regularly. Whether it’s calming meditative tracks or upbeat pop beats, take some time today to enjoy your favorite pieces! You just might find that it helps you relax after a long day or gives you an extra boost during your next workout session. So why not give it a try? Who knows, maybe some good vibes are just what you need!
Athanata is a Swiss and French composer. Starting out producing hip hop instrumentals for local rappers, he has later developed a passion for film and documentary soundtracks. Practicing himself relaxation techniques on a daily basis, he uses his compositions as a way to deepen them. His goal: to allow the listener to gently travel and deeply relax. His first solo album, Fragments of Spirit (2021), was followed by several tracks focusing on cardiac coherence/coherent breathing and meditation.
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