Music can improve mood, decrease pain and anxiety, and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression. Research suggests that music can benefit our physical and mental health in numerous ways. Music therapy is used by our hospice and palliative care board-certified music therapist to enhance conventional treatment for a variety of illnesses and disease processes – from anxiety, depression and stress, to the management of pain and even enhancement of functioning after degenerative neurologic disorders.*
I love music of all kinds and I wrote the blog Music is in Me in January of 2021 in which I talk about my introduction to musical instruments, way back in the seventh grade!
But, beyond my personal bliss, here are the just some of the benefits of music:
It’s good for your heart. Blood flows more easily when music is played. It can also reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the blood. Oh yeah!
It elevates mood. Music can boost the brain’s production of the hormone dopamine. This increased dopamine production helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
It reduces stress. Research has found that listening to music can relieve stress by triggering biochemical stress reducers.
It can increase focus. According to a 2007 study from the Stanford University School of Medicine, music - classical music, specifically- can help your brain absorb and interpret new information more easily.
It increases workout endurance. Listening to those top workout tracks can boost physical performance and increase endurance during a tough exercise session.
It eases pain. Music can meaningfully reduce the perceived intensity of pain, especially in geriatric care.
And, besides all that, it's fun!