Music is one of the most powerful ways to evoke emotion. That’s why we play it at weddings, create soundtracks for films, and sing at church. Music can be a potent and explosive influence that doesn’t just invoke positive feelings, but can also incite raw, and even angry emotions. That’s why not everyone listens to music for the same reasons.
For some people, the idea of living without music may seem impossible. Music is a go-to for them in a wide variety of moments. Whether they’re mourning the death of a loved one, pining over their crush, or simply making dinner, music can be an integral part of many people’s lives.
Yet beyond just being entertaining to listen to, music can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and existence as a human. Don’t believe it? Here are some of the most distinct ways that music can positively benefit your life.
It Can Motivate You
Have you ever woken up in the morning and you simply don’t want to get out of bed? What’s worse, when you get to work the last thing, you feel like doing is, well, working! For many people, the only way to put “pep in their step” is to put on music. Whether you’re unloading freight, or inputting data into an Excel spreadsheet, a little music goes a long way when you need motivation.
It Can Improve Your Mood
Have you ever felt sad, but can’t really put your finger on why? Maybe you’re feeling angry and no one understands why—including yourself. Sometimes regardless of how many people we have that love us and support us, a song is the only thing that can make you feel understood.
Certain music has the power to transform our mood and lift us up even when it feels impossible to snap out of it. The next time you’re feeling in a slump, try putting on a song that makes you feel happy. Chances are by the end of the song you’ll feel significantly better. Otherwise, put the next song on and dance around the room until your mood improves!
It Can Heal You
While initially it may feel impossible, you’d be surprised to find how many studies have been done on the correlation between our physical well-being and music. Some cancer patients swear by the fact that music helped them heal. This isn’t hard to believe when you consider the effects that music has on plants. Several studies have shown that playing certain types of music for different plants can significantly impact their growth rate. If plants can be influenced by music, then why shouldn’t human bodies?
It Can Help You Focus
Nowadays there are all sorts of apps that offer focus music to help you stay productive. Certain sound frequencies don’t just help you relax but can laser focus your brain, helping you get your work done faster, and better.
It’s as simple as putting on a pair of headphones and listening to music while trying to get your work done. Experiment with a few different genres to see what works for you personally. One type of music may not have the same effect on one person as another.
It Can Connect You With Others
There’s something incredibly profound about listening to music in a group setting like a concert. Music has the ability to bring people together not only because of a collective appreciation for the sound but also for our collective appreciation of the message behind the music. Lyrics can have a profound impression on people and bring groups of people together to form a like-minded connection.
In addition to listening to music in a group setting, sharing your taste with other people can also be equally rewarding. Comparing your favorite bands and finding someone who has similar music taste as you can make you feel understood and appreciated in a unique way.
