For many of us, music is an integral part of our daily routine. We might listen to it during our commutes, as background sound in the office, while cleaning around the house, at concerts, parties, and other entertainment venues. But did you know that what you listen to can affect how your mind processes information and reacts to the world around you?
That’s right. Songs, instrumental pieces, or playing an instrument are more than just something to do as a class in school. Musical pursuits play an important part in the health of your brain. Here are some fun facts about how what we listen to affects our minds.
Music and the Mind: It Matters
1. Music Keeps Your Brain Young.
The brain is an incredible organ that controls thoughts, memory, emotions, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, and all bodily processes. It works with the spinal cord and central nervous system to help us live and perform many tasks. To keep the brain young, music can be very beneficial. Here are some ways to enhance your brain and maintain its youthfulness.
- Listen to new songs. It’s easy to only listen to the songs we grew up with, but listening to those of a different genre or the artists our kids or grandkids listen to will help the brain learn to appreciate new sounds and rhythms.
- Listen to old songs that have good memories attached to them. This can help with recall and provide a positive emotional stimulant, too.
It is also worth noting that while many believe that classical works are the best choice, especially for children, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, researchers have there is no one-size-fits-all for what one should listen to while pursuing another activity. According to a Harvard neuroscientist, songs that are familiar to you or something that brings you pleasure are what will be the most effective for maximizing your concentration.
2. Works as a Painkiller
While it may not be taken via capsule or medicine dropper, but it is an effective anti-pain medication. This is because the mind shifts focus from the pain to something else. No, the pain doesn’t disappear, but because the mind is on a rhythm or a melody, the pain takes a backseat.
3. Improves Our Reaction Time
A study by the University of Montreal found that musicians have quicker reaction times than non-musicians. Regardless of age, learning to play an instrument can improve one’s ability to respond quickly to physical situations. Additionally, listening to songs while exercising has been shown to enhance workout performance.
4. Listening to Songs Helps Lower Stress
Listening to music lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and benefiting blood pressure, learning, memory, heart rate, and cholesterol, potentially decreasing heart disease risk. Group singing also reduces stress, anxiety and elevates endorphins.
5. Strengthens the Connection Between the Hemispheres of the Brain
The way musicians process information versus non-musicians is not just an old wives’ tale. It is scientifically proven. Studies show that people who play at least one instrument have a more developed corpus callosum, the link between the brain’s hemispheres. Playing an instrument strengthens the coordination between the left and right sides of the brain with practice.
Music is an important part of life. Whether jazz, country, classical, classic rock, or some other style, we all have types we respond to. This is also why it is important to expose children to a variety of styles so they can find out what stimulates their minds. A good place to start is by listening to the songs on Butterfly Wings or Cool Animals.
Hmm…so what tunes will you listen to today?
Additional Sources: