Music has been an integral part of human lives for as long as we can remember. From our spiritual recitation and worship to our celebratory dances, work chants, and love songs, music has always been a part of who we are. It is a form of art that undeniably possesses the power to bring people together and transcend all barriers of age, language, or gender.
While music has long been used as a source of entertainment, recent studies have shown that it can also have a significant impact on our minds. Research has proven that music holds strong therapeutic potential and can be used to effectively treat a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, stress, bipolar disorder, and addiction.
Music therapy is a growing field that is being increasingly recognized by the medical community as a valuable treatment option. While there is still much to learn, for your knowledge, we have compiled a brief guide on how music can change the way you feel and behave.
The Effect of Music on the Brain
Endorphins – hormones that are released by the brain in response to pain or stress. They produce a feeling of euphoria and excitement and have powerful pain-relieving effects. Research has shown that listening to music can elevate levels of endorphins in the brain, naturally boosting your mood and overall well-being.
Serotonin and Dopamine – are neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Low levels of these hormones are associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Listening to music has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve brain function and reduce stress.
Cortisol – is a stress hormone that is released in response to physical or psychological stress. High levels of cortisol can have negative effects on the body, including weight gain, digestive problems, and impaired immune function. Listening to music has been shown to decrease cortisol levels in the brain, promoting feelings of calm and ease.
The Effects of Music on Mood
Research has shown that music can have a significant impact on our mood. It can produce both positive and negative emotions, depending on the type of music that we listen to. Upbeat, happy music can improve our mindset, making us feel more energized, productive, and positive. Listening to happy music can also increase levels of Dopamine in the brain, providing a natural way to boost your mood.
Sad, slow music can produce negative emotions that mimic sadness, anxiety, and grief. It can also lead to feelings of nostalgia and longing for lost loved ones. However, research has also shown that listening to sad music can provide some psychological benefits, such as increased empathy and self-awareness.
The Effects of Music on Behavior
Music has been shown to have a profound impact on our behavior. Research has shown that it can alter our cognitive, emotional, and physiological states.
Genres like jazz, pop, and hip-hop can increase our levels of arousal and make us feel more energetic and alert. It can also improve our performance on tasks that require attention and focus. On the other hand, slow, relaxing music like classic and traditional genres can decrease our levels of arousal and help us to relax and feel calmer.
The Effects of Music on Physiological Processes
The influence of music can also be seen on the physiological state of our body, affecting everything from our heart rate to our breathing.
Upbeat music can increase our heart rate and respiratory rate while relaxing music can decrease these same processes. Music has also been shown to alter blood pressure, skin conductance, and brain activity.
In one study, researchers found that listening to music increased the levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the saliva of participants. IgA is an antibody that helps to fight off infection and is a key component of the immune system. The researchers concluded that music could have a positive effect on the immune system.
Another study found that listening to classical music improved sleep quality in college students. The students who listened to music before bed fell asleep more quickly and had less restless sleep than those who did not listen to music.
Bottom Line
After years of research, scientists have reached the conclusion that music is a lot more than just a form of entertainment. It is a tool that, if used appropriately, can be used to better the human mind and soul.
Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. Additionally, he runs the weekly podcast “FULLSPEED,” featuring interviews with cutting-edge entrepreneurs. As the founder of the “Eric Dalius Foundation,” he provides four scholarships for US students. Keep up with Eric on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.