The Magic of Music
Think of your workday - you wake up, get ready, head to work, spend at least 8 hours at the office, head back, relax and then go to sleep. For how many hours of this time do you have some sort of music playing?
We all use music in different ways - to change our mood, jumpstart our creativity or even help us sleep. Music can help in a variety of ways, including pain reduction, stress relief, and assisting with memory. It can also help reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain, as well as improve sleep quality. Do you know how music is able to have this powerful effect on your brain? Read on to understand.
The Thing About Music
Music is arithmetic, artistic and sensory - all at the same time. This gives it the power to engage your brain like no other activity. Researchers have found that listening to music engages areas of the brain that are involved in paying attention, making predictions and updating events in memory.
Music & Memory
Several studies have found that music can help bring back your memories, even as far back as childhood. Whenever you hear a particular piece of music that is related to a memory stored in your brain, the details come back into prominence immediately.
The power of music to bring back memories is strong enough that it even works through progressive brain diseases. This effect of music makes it a robust tool to treat people suffering from amnesia, serious brain injuries and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Music for Mood Control
Particular kinds of music can evoke emotions in you and change your mood. Depending upon the type of music, you can become calmer or excited. This can be a very effective tool for someone who knows their own musical tastes inside out. For example, you can use upbeat tunes to get you ready for a busy day and downtempo songs to unwind before bedtime.
Music Therapy
Certified music therapists are usually successful musicians who have first-hand knowledge of how music affects people’s emotions. They are also familiar with a large variety of musical styles. This makes them an expert at recommending the kind of music that can get you through a challenging physical therapy session or guided meditation. Musical therapy has been extremely effective for people dealing with issues like depression and anxiety.
The right kind of music for the right amount of time could be just the thing you need for your wellness. But there are also ways music can perhaps cause a strain on your body. If the music is too loud, it can damage your eardrums and listening to the wrong kind of music can feed your depression, anxiety or rage. So be wise in your choice of music and let the beat heal your soul.