The Power of Music
Music is a beautiful expression of emotions, stories, and deep cultural history. The power of music can make us feel different ways and even have various health benefits. In 1945, the United States War Department started music therapy to aid troops in the hospitals. Think about how music makes you feel and why you enjoy listening to it as we look at some of the many benefits of music.
- Calming and focus. Listening to music can help you relax and even lower blood pressure and calm anxiety. Studies have shown that music can help the brain focus and learn new information. These benefits depend on volume, music styles, and situations. Classical music was linked to processing information better in recent studies.
- Motivation. There is a reason they play loud music at sporting events. Music releases endorphins that can create excitement and energy. Many people listen to music while exercising for motivation and focus. Commercials use specific songs that grab attention and make us feel a certain way when we are listening to an advertisement.
- Memory. Remember that song that played during a special event? Music can trigger memories and feelings of specific moments in time. Similar to smell or taste, sounds are distinctive and hold valuable meanings to us. In fact, music therapy is often used for cognitive and physical benefits for people living with conditions such as dementia.
- Socialization. Music is great for socialization whether you are a musician, fan, gathering with loved ones, or out having a good time. Live music concerts are a great way to meet new people or attend with friends. Businesses such as restaurants use music to create a certain vibe for their customer’s experience to be enjoyable.
Music is a great way to connect, relax, and have a good time. It can get us active and moving, raise our spirits, and help us make new memories. “Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.” - Aretha Franklin
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