Whether it reminds you of the holidays at your grandma’s house or singing with the windows down late at night, music can be used as a positive outlet to relate your feelings to others and to feel connected. People relate certain songs to positive attributes such as valuable memories and nostalgic feelings. Someone’s favorite songs rarely fail to brighten their day and no wonder, considering it has been shown that when listening to a favorable song our brains release dopamine creating a feeling of pleasure.

Not only does music have deep emotional value, but it has been shown that it can increase focus and concentration. Listening to music can lower stress, especially classical or instrumental. A study in France reveled that playing classical music in the background of a school environment for one hour contributed to higher performance then those without it. It is worth considering how music can help you during exam season and improve your mental state. In addition, more upbeat music is shown to motivate listeners and energize them. Listening to music can even increase your endurance and help when working out.

It does not stop at just listening to music. Playing an instrument exhibits a multitude of benefits too. The effort it takes to play and learn an instrument interacts with your brain in a unique way making improvements to your memory, cognitive skills, and coordination. Some studies have even shown playing an instrument has been linked with improvement in an academic environment, regardless it is always fun playing along to songs.

Music has endless amounts of benefits regardless of whether it is mental, emotional, or physical. Consider how you can use music to make an improvement to your daily life or community.

5 Reasons Why You Should Learn a Musical Instrument – Sono Music Brisbane

9 Health Benefits of Music | NorthShore