28 February How Music Benefits Our Health February 28, 2017 By Editor Wellness health, music and health, seniors 0 Music is a part of all our lives is some way or another. For some, music acts as an anthem as we progress through our day. It helps us wake up in a better mood, motivate us through stressful times, or ease us to sleep. Research shows, however, that music aids us in many more ways than the obvious, both mentally and physically. Let’s start with how music helps us mentally. Reduces Stress: Music is proven to trigger biochemical stress reducers. These help us to relax in stressful or trying times. Try listening to music during some of the harder times of your day, and see if it helps you while tackling stressful jobs. Cognitive Performance: One study done on test takers found that those accompanied by background music were able to answer more questions and with higher accuracy. This depends on the type of music and the nature of its effect on the listener. Try listening to music that puts you in a good mood while working, and see if you’re able work more efficiently. Relax Patients before Surgery: A study found that heart patients awaiting surgery were able to calm down before their procedure with the use of music. Many doctors encourage music both before and after surgery to ease stress and anxiety. Helps Stroke Patients Recover: A study done on recovering stroke victims found that they were able to improve memory and attention skills quicker than those that didn’t listen to music or who listened to audiobooks instead. Physically, music affects us in ways we might not expect. Eases Pain: In geriatric care, intensive care, or in the care of cancer patients, music can help ease pain in patients when undergoing painful treatments. Motivates Exercise: A study performed on people on stationary bikes found that those who listened to faster music were able to work out harder. Add music to your exercise schedule to see if it helps you push yourself. Also, listening to relaxing music after a tough workout can help your body recover better. Music Can Help Sleep Quality: In a study done on college students that experienced difficulty with sleep, classical music helped the students get deeper, better quality sleep. Try listening to Mozart or Beethoven next time you head to bed, and see if it helps you get to sleep. Music Can Help Control Eating: A study found that listening to soft, calm music while eating can help people slow down their meals, and in the end, eat less. Next time you’re especially hungry and sit down to eat, listen to your favorite slow song to see if it helps you control how fast you’re eating. We encourage you to integrate music into your life as much as you can. Try out some of the tips above and let us know if they work! Related Posts Mental Health Awareness - What Can I Do to Benefit My Overall Mental Health? Understanding mental health and developing healthy habits to support it are important in maintaining our overall health and well-being and our relationships. Cleaning and Our Health: Springing into Healthy Cleaning Habits Regular cleaning habits can positively affect more than just our physical health - they can help our mental health too! With the official start to spring just around the corner, Spring Cleaning can be a great way to officially start your cleaning habits. Learn more about the potential positive effects and tips for your cleaning routine. Take a Break! The Long Term Benefits of Physical Activity However many times it's been said, we're saying it again. Even just a little bit of physical activity every day can positively affect your overall health and well being. Find out about the long term benefits of physical activity. Oral Care Awareness! While scientists are still trying to discover concrete links between oral health and overall health, even ancient civilizations understood that oral hygiene and health were important. Heart Health Part 2: Blood Sugar Part 2 of our Heart Health series. Monitoring and maintaining your blood sugar is an important step for preventing or managing diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is twice as likely to occur in people with diabetes. Voluntary Benefits: Disability Income Plus and COVID-19 Learn more about how ManhattanLife's Voluntary Benefits Disability Income Plus plan works during the COVID-19 public health event. Comments are closed.