Music is a great way of setting a scene or creating a mood.
For example, the famous Jaws theme tune uses two simple notes to devastating effect, signifying impending fear and terror. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, meanwhile, evokes romance, beauty, and tragedy.
Playing or listening to music can have a myriad of benefits. In fact, the effects of music on our brains even have their own research field, known as neuromusicology.
According to Be Brain Fit, researchers in this field have found that music activates every part of our brains and can make us smarter, happier, and more productive.
From pain management to stress reduction, music can have a powerful effect on our everyday lives
Whether you’re pottering about listening to your favourite tunes, in your car singing along, or playing a musical instrument, you’re boosting your wellbeing without even realising.
Music can be transformational, as well as being fun and entertaining.
8 ways music can support your mental wellbeing.
1. Reduces stress
Listening to music can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and raise your levels of oxytocin, which can boost your wellbeing. According to music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins, it can also help to ease long-term anxiety. Research found that students who listened to classical music every day for two months had significantly lower levels of anxiety.
2. Boosts your cognitive performance
Having music playing in the background while you’re performing tasks can boost your efficiency and mental agility. Very Well Mind reports that playing upbeat music can improve your processing speed, while both upbeat and downbeat music can support your memory.
3. Improves social connections
Music can act as a lovely bonding experience between parents and their babies, with lullabies and nursery rhymes helping to soothe tiny children. In our later lives, it can also be a great way to strengthen social connections and create a sense of community.
A shared love of music can be experienced through concerts, gigs, or dances, while community activities such as choirs and church services encourage communal singing, along with socialising.
4. Eases symptoms of depression
According to Healthline, research has shown that a combination of classical and jazz music can have a positive effect on symptoms of depression.
Group percussion activities, such as drumming, can also help to lift your mood. Unsurprisingly, however, listening to sad music can have the opposite effect, often leading to withdrawal and a dip in mood.
5. Gets you moving
Dancing or working out to music can improve your heart health and exercise performance. The rhythm helps you focus on the music and become less aware of the exertion.
6. Helps to manage pain
There is evidence suggesting that listening to music can have a beneficial effect on pain. According to Very Well Mind, research suggests that patients who listened to music before, during, or after surgery reported less pain and anxiety than those who didn’t.
7. Benefits those who are deaf or have hearing loss
If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, the vibrations from musical instruments can still bring benefits. For example, placing your hand on a drum while playing can help you experience the sensation of the music.
Even if you have good hearing, these vibrations can still help to make you feel grounded. Standing barefoot while listening to or playing music can help you feel the low-frequency sound waves from solid surfaces, creating a strong sense of connection.
8. It’s never too late
Even if music hasn’t featured predominantly in your life, it’s never too late to start reaping the benefits. Playing an instrument can be a great way to boost your memory and slow cognitive decline in later life.
If you need inspiration, consider the following. Albert Einstein played the violin, Warren Buffett was an accomplished ukulele player, and former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice almost became a professional concert pianist.
Get in touch
We’ll leave the singing to the professionals, but we can help you fine-tune your finances. If you’d like to talk to us about any aspect of your financial planning, please get in touch by emailing hello@fingerprintfp.co.uk or calling 03452 100 100.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.