The Benefits Of Listening To Music

Those days in school when I used put my headphones underneath my school jumper, pull the wire up through to my collar, put my earphones in and hope my Physics teacher Mr Allen never twigged I was listening to Ne-Yo or Drake. Ah, good times. That's why I rarely wore my hair up in school - it disguised the earphones better. Also you were a banging friend if you were willing to share one earphone with someone if they didn't have their own.

Anyway, music - I've loved listening to music ever since I can remember. It's one of my favourite things to do and I find it very relaxing.

What genre do I like? Well, I wouldn't say I like a particular type of music. I have quite an eclectic taste. My philosophy has always been that if I like the song, I'll listen to it and download it on my phone or Spotify.

Whether it's that Adele song that speaks to your soul, that Ed Sheeran song that reminds you of your first love or that classic Abba song that you just have to singalong to, music is a big part of our everyday lives. What I've learnt over the years is that music has benefitted me in so many different ways. Physically as well as mentally. I don't really listen to music through my earphones everyday, purely because I do get a little anxious about my hearing these days. And if I do, it's on a quiet level.

Like I said, there are so many benefits to listening to music, and they are -

1) IT  MAKES  YOU  FEEL  HAPPIER

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Scientists have found in research that listening to music can be an instant mood booster. I find that listening to music can send me to a good place, especially a happy song like, umm, Happy by Pharrell Williams. Yes I know that there are other happy songs out there. But I do feel better after I out my earphones in and can listen to some of my favourite songs.  

2) IT'S  A  GREAT  MOTIVATOR  FOR  EXERCISING

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I couldn't get through my exercise routines without listening to music, whether it be on the radio at home or through my earphones at the gym (once upon a time). If you got a good playlist going, you can get through any workout, no matter how vigorous or testing. If you want to take your running up a notch, listen to the songs that inspire you, that's always a good motivator.

3) IT'S  A  DESTRESSER

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Listening to that one calming song can instantly release any stress that's within you. I have so many calm songs that I listen to so I can calm down! That does kind of make me sound like that I'm constantly angry all the time doesn't it? Well, being in this pandemic for so long, I do get angry at the littlest of things these days. Music does and really can effectively calm me down after a stressful day. 

4) IT  CAN  HELP  ROAD  RAGE

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I would seriously have to question your credentials as a driver if you don't listen to music and sing every song like your the artist themselves. Apparently music can help have a positive impact on your mood when driving, even to the point where you drive more safely. Maybe less road rage and a little more singing?!

5) IT  HELPS  PEOPLE  WITH  ALZHEIMER'S / DEMENTIA

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I saw a documentary a while ago about how music can be hugely beneficial to people with Alzheimer's/dementia. It was presented by Vicky McClure (from Line of Duty) and she got people together who had those conditions to form a choir. It was truly wonderful how much they enjoyed it and how alive it made them feel again. Their memories may not be brilliant now which was so sad to see, but listening and singing along to their favourite songs from years ago made them smile once again. 

6) IT  CAN  HELP  YOU  SLEEP  BETTER

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Apparently if you have trouble sleeping, listening to music before bed time can help you unwind and it can lead to a more peaceful sleep. Maybe nothing like heavy rock or club anthems, something calm and relaxing. Obviously not too loudly as you'll have the ringing in your ears before you go to sleep, which wouldn't be ideal at all.

So yes, listening to music does have so many benefits!

Do you listen to music, what are the benefits to you?

Lucy