Walking to class, studying, hanging out with friends, getting a workout in — what do all of these activities have in common? Besides the fact that all college students probably do all of the aforementioned activities on a regular basis, all of these activities can be enhanced by music. While most people listen to music for entertainment, many studies show that music is a powerful tool that can help alleviate much more than just feelings of stress. Some of the benefits associated with listening to music are outlined in the studies below:
Reduces cortisol levels:
A 2021 study found that adults who listened to music, both of their personal choice and from a neutral selection, reduced their cortisol levels regardless of the type of music.
Reduces burnout:
In the operating room, a six-week study found that staff who were scheduled to listen to 30 minutes of music at the end of each working day experienced less stress and less emotional exhaustion.
Helps with falling asleep:
A study conducted determined that listening to music can aid in falling asleep and that 62% of adults use some form of sounds to fall asleep. Beyond that, the study also found that those who rely on music more to fall asleep were more likely to experience better quality sleep compared to those who relied on it less.
Reduces anxiety and depression
Music has the effect of calming down anxiety symptoms and providing increased levels of confidence and motivation when listened to in group settings for depressed individuals. This is why music therapy is becoming increasingly more widespread to help those who suffer from depression and anxiety.
Improves quality of life:
Several studies looked into the longer-term effects of music on mental health and found that it leads to increased quality of life. For example, even in trying times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, music was the one thing universally that kept people going and allowed them to deal with the abnormality of isolating and transitioning to a remote lifestyle.
With studies finding a great many benefits related to listening to music, certain practices and activities that previously had no relationship with music are beginning to integrate music. Some of those activities include:
Mediation:
Meditation aims to calm the body and focus the mind is increasingly growing popular. One form of meditation that is catching on is guided meditation or meditation music. Both versions of the practice help people focus, relieve stressors, and lower the heart rate.
Music Therapy:
While therapy is a practice that is growing within society, music therapy aims to provide many of the same things just with a musical twist. Musical therapists often work with their clients on getting them to listen to different types of music, play music, or even create their own music in an effort to work through different emotions and build positivity.
Focusing Tool:
While music may seem like it’s counterproductive to focusing, it can actually help productivity. Music is said to provide motivation for completing certain tasks and offers better concentration for completing complex tasks. Hence why study playlists are a growing phenomenon and why some companies have started allowing their employees to listen to music via headphones while completing their tasks.
While the correlation between music, productivity, and positivity is now supported by countless studies, researchers are now looking into whether the type of music one listens to has specific effects. While most studies historically have utilized classical music, that does not necessarily dictate that classical music is better. In fact, ongoing research has found that different types of music can be used for different purposes. For example, classical music is typically used for relaxation due to its soothing nature. Rap music is associated with providing motivation and inspiration, especially for those who are going through difficult times. Heavy metal music can help personal development. Therefore, if you want to elevate your own life using music, diversify your musical tastes. While walking to your 8 a.m. lecture that you had no will to go to, listen to rap, or when studying music for a big exam, lock in with some classical music.
