“I think music in itself is healing.
It’s an explosive expression of humanity.”
There are many apparent reasons why people are attracted to music. A great song can put you in a fantastic mood to start or end your hectic workday. But music and its enormous mental and heart health benefits are becoming necessary in our daily lives.
As someone who works at a Music school surrounded by the melodies of real musicians, I can attest to the power of music. Even on my off days, I find solace in the soothing notes of solo piano music on Pandora, which I play while working in my home office. It sets a calming mood throughout my day, allowing me to relax, breathe, and enjoy my work.
Scientific studies have consistently shown that music profoundly impacts our health. Research has suggested that music can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and even alleviate stress in individuals with more challenging heart conditions.
Consistent music therapy also helps the heart contract and push blood throughout the body. Both classical and rock music help relax your arteries. Did you know surgeons and nurses listen to music during (most) every surgery? They comment that it helps lower their heart rate and that of their patients.
Music and Exercise
Music and exercise have always been dynamic duos. And there's a good reason for that! Sound processing starts in our brainstem, the control center for our heart rate and respiratory system's rate. So, when you're jamming to your favorite tunes during a workout, not only does it help keep your heart rate steady, but it also aids in its recovery post-exercise. Music minimizes the time your heart is overworked or elevated, allowing it to return to a baseline level more quickly.
Music and Blood Flow
The relaxation benefits of listening to music extend past relaxing just your mind. Simply put, when you listen to music, your arteries relax. Relaxed arteries are essential for proper blood circulation. They also help reduce any blockages that can restrict blood flow and circulation and lead to heart disease or a heart attack. Listening to music every day can help keep your arteries healthy.
Music Research
In his national bestselling book Musicophilia, Oliver Sacks says, "The inexpressible depth of Music has shown to have healing effects on the heart."
A research study of those taking medication for at least six months took their usual medication and listened to music for 60 minutes. They listened to Adele's "Someone Like You," "Hello," and "Watermark" by Enya.
After they took their blood pressure medication, researchers took the heart rate measurements at 20, 40, and 60 minutes. The heart rates of the music listeners dropped substantially just 60 minutes after taking their medication. When they did not listen to music, their heart rates did not slow down at all.
Are you amazed at the myriad benefits of music to your health and well-being? Don't wait any longer- sign up for a music lesson today and start experiencing the transformative power of music in your life!