Benefits of Music on Mental Health

Music is everywhere — from the melodies you hear while scrolling through TikTok to the songs playing on the radio while you're driving. Many of us are naturally aware of how music affects our energy and mood. Perhaps Kid Laori’s song “NOT FAIR” gets us through a breakup, while Travis Scotts’s song “MY EYES” gets our adrenaline flowing. Not only does music serve as an outlet to express emotions and as a source of enjoyment, but it also benefits your mental health in several ways.

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https://www.yesmagazine.org/health-happiness/2015/02/04/four-ways-music-strengthens-social-bonds

1. Music reduces stress levels

Cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, works with the brain to regulate emotions and energy levels. Consistent high levels of cortisol can lead to a weak immune system and severe diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, numerous studies have found that listening to music can reduce cortisol levels. For example, McGill University researchers found that 15 studies revealed how people’s stress levels dropped significantly after listening to calming music. Specifically, Daniel Levitin, an American-Canadian cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist, claimed that music as medicine has the potential to calm patients and reverse aging effects. For those experiencing stress, listening to classical music pieces by Beethoven can be an effective way to manage stress levels. 

2. Music improves memory

Many students listen to music while studying, while others may find it distracting. Research suggests that music can be beneficial depending on the type of music and the listener's preferences. Music enhances memory and coordination by engaging multiple areas of the brain and activating brain networks involved in processing memory, sound, and emotion. This strengthens neural connections and improves brain function. However, if music proves to be a distraction, students may benefit more from playing neutral classical music in the background.

3. Music makes people happy

Music has the ability to improve mood by triggering the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with happiness. Additionally, music fosters social connections, especially during shared experiences like concerts. For concert lovers, American rapper Gunna has an upcoming performance on October 27 in Georgia, while Billie Eilish is currently touring across North America. Furthermore, combining music with dance and movement can enhance mood and overall well-being. Dancing while listening to music involves physical movement, which increases the production of endorphins — chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. 

Overall, music is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health. From reducing stress to improving cognitive function and fostering social connections, the benefits of music are vast and varied. By integrating music into our daily lives, we can utilize its therapeutic potential to improve our mental health.