Bridge to Wellness: Music is great for mind, body, and social connections

by Jennifer Matthews, RN

I don’t know about you, but my summer always has a soundtrack. Music is essential to my mind, body and soul. Scientific evidence shows that music is good for everyone’s health and well-being.

Here is what the research tells us about the power of music.

Music connects people. Historically, music has been a powerful communication tool. For example, prior to the abolishment of slavery, slaves would use songs to communicate across distances. Additionally, music is an amazing tool for social connection. National anthems connect crowds at sporting events, protest songs provide a sense of shared purpose, hymns build group identity in places of worship, love songs help partners bond, and lullabies encourage parent and infant attachment.

Music can lead to better learning. Scientists have observed that areas of the brain necessary for learning light up on MRI scans when listening to music. Even the reward of listening to music has been shown to motivate learning.

Music can improve memory. Research has shown that both the ability to memorize and the ability to process tasks quickly are improved when listening to classical music. People living with memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, experience the benefits of music therapy. Although music cannot reverse cognitive decline, it can help slow the progression and assist people in remembering significant times in their lives. Interestingly, music memory is one of the brain functions that seems to be present the longest.

Music can improve mental health. Music can very literally change the brain. Neuroscience has shown that music triggers the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, including some that improve mood, like dopamine and serotonin; stress hormones such as cortisol; and the chemical oxytocin that helps us connect with others. Listening to music can reduce anxiety and stress and improve depression.

Music can improve your physical health. Listening to music tends to make people want to move more. Dancing can be an effective form of exercise. Many exercise enthusiasts report more efficient workouts when listening to music. Music can be energizing and help decrease pain and fatigue.

Music therapy is becoming a more widely used therapy for treating both mind and body issues in the health care community. However, you don’t have to seek out a healthcare provider to start using music to improve your health. Music is a free and effective resource we all have access to. Stream music online through free apps such as Pandora and Spotify Turn; turn on your AM/FM radio; or listen to your old CDs, tapes, or albums.

Local libraries are great resources for free music and throughout the summer you can catch a live show as many communities offer outdoor concerts and music events.

Explore your community and the music possibilities that are out there. It’s good for your health!

Source: healthline.com/health/benefits-of-music

What’s on your playlist? Music is essential to the mind, body, soul, and social connections. Image credit: Felix Koutchinski on Unsplash.com

This column is sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition. Jennifer Matthews, RN, is a registered nurse in the Stockbridge School System. She has worked as a community nurse for the last eight years and is an active volunteer within the Jackson County foster care system. Jen has a passion for helping individuals advocate for their health and learn to navigate the healthcare system.