Music: More Than Meets the Ears

Anxious? Stressed? Depressed? Well, listen to music!

Music is present anywhere and everywhere. From pubs to malls, from TV shows to theatre, from your neighbor to the person next to you. Music has become part of our daily lives thus becoming part of our existence as human beings. Music varies in every culture, in every part of the world yet it all affects us just the same.

What makes music so tick? Music contains audio frequencies and intricate patterns that trigger a state of excitement in our brain. This in turn triggers the release of a chemical called Dopamine otherwise known as the “feel-good” hormone. It has the same effect with drugs (the addictive ones). The only difference is that it isn’t entirely harmful and brain-damaging. It’s a natural drug for happiness.

Furthermore, music can contribute to a lot of things that can be good for you. First of all, music can reduce stress, anxiety and pain. It triggers special biochemical stress reducers and can significantly reduce the perceived intensity of pain associated with medical illnesses.

Secondly, music can relieve symptoms of depression by triggering the release of the “feel-good” hormone. Now you don’t have to eat a lot especially chocolates when you get depressed. All you have to do is listen to some music–happy or classical ones. Not the sad, sorry and heavy metal ones of course.

Thirdly, music can improve sleep quality and induce a meditative state. Slow musical beats can change your brainwave speed which aids in relaxation. In fact, according to researchers, classical music may be used to treat insomnia in college students. (Curated by Daryll Arcayan)

Sources: USAToday, Asap Science: The Power of Music

Photo above: There’s more to music than meets the ears. It alleviates concerns such as stress, anxiety and depression. So, hit the button and go listen and dance all the way out! (Image credit: lafq.imer.gob.mx)