These days, there is such a wide range of musical genres present all around. Amazing streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, or even YouTube playing in the background. Some musical genres include r&b, pop music, classical music, and hip-hop, just to name a few. And as a general consensus, I think we can agree that however many times YouTube asks us to update to premium so we can really leave it playing in the background, we will never give in! However, tangent aside, music has some really positive impacts on our mental health, and the amazing benefits of music can really last us a lifetime.
However, it doesn’t have to just be you listening, but you can also create music as well. This can include things like learning a new instrument or creating remixes. Even simpler, you can just mash up random songs you hear on the radio in your daily lives! As a violinist myself, I can indeed confirm that the amazing benefits of music can truly impact your life in a positive way, allowing you time to just unwind and relax after a stressful day.
Increases Motivation to Work Out
Have you ever thought about getting in some physical activity, and then decided you didn’t want to? Simple physical activity really just refers to getting out and moving around, at whatever intensity is appropriate for you. This itself increases dopamine levels and paves the way for a more effective day. Listening to upbeat music which gets your heart racing may be just what you need to get a little bit active! There are heaps of workout playlists out there, which can also help increase your endurance a little more. What’s not to like about that?
Music decreases fatigue as well, so if you feel unmotivated and unable to do your daily duties, music is the way to go!
Music Can Boost Mental Health
It has been scientifically proven that music increase the ease at which blood can flow. This leads to extremely positive implications. This includes reducing heart rate, decreasing cortisol, or stress hormones, and lowering blood pressure, just to name a few. This puts us in a very positive place where we are in our lives, but remember- this takes time! Every good thing in life requires quite a substantial amount of patience (unfortunately). BUT good things do come to those who wait. There are genres of music suitable for any mood you are feeling.
Even listening to a sad playlist to help let our emotions out is what we do need from time to time to move forward. Music is processed directly by our amygdala. This is the part of the brain which has full control over mood and emotion. This works perfect with music, with it being considered nature’s way of an antidepressant.
Makes Time Move Faster
Have you ever been stuck in some pesky traffic? Surely the answer to this is yes, no doubt! Not only can it elevate your mood, but it can also make time go faster. As you are jamming out to your favorite songs, you will be so invested that you ignore the angry honks and the traffic light that seems to turn red as you reach the front.
Creates Connections With Others
Music is an extremely powerful way of bringing people together, such as events like festivals and concerts, whether virtual or in real life. You can all bond over loving the artist, and shamelessly knowing all the lyrics to your favorite bangers. This creates connection, which is what we- as human beings truly need to go through our lives. I see no negatives in this one!
Creating Music is an Amazing Feeling
Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned pro, learning an instrument can allow you to both develop new skills and provide you with a different way to relax. Learning a new instrument can also boost your self-confidence, showing you that there is no time too early or late to get your hands on something new. There is a range of different instruments you can pick up, depending on what music you prefer. For the more classically inclined, the typical instruments of the violin and piano are most appropriate for letting those fingers run. For the lovers of smooth jazz and just pure ‘vibes,’ the saxophone may be a fitting choice, or even the guitar, to fingerstyle those relaxing tunes. There is no one category, and you can definitely explore your options out there!
However, it isn’t just musical instruments that can create music. If you are more digitally inclined, maybe creating remixes and DJ-like tracks can be your new go-to. Impress those around you with your cool mashups and sick beats as you effortlessly press buttons on your computer to relay those different beat drops!
Have We Convinced You?
As you can see, the amazing benefits of music truly cannot be ignored! There is nothing terrible per se, about trying to incorporate music (or more music) into your lives! Maybe now you can make a list of all your favourite genres, or perhaps a new skill you’d like to pick up today.