By Alleen Erchoff-Costet
Do you listen to music while doing everyday tasks such as reading, studying, or driving? Music is often believed to improve focus, block distractions, and make tasks more enjoyable. However the impact of music on brain function is not well understood, despite many studies.
So exactly how does music help reduce stress? Listening to music can reduce stress by releasing dopamine, and promote relaxation and happiness, by decreasing the stress hormone named cortisol. There have been some studies that show a 61% reduction in anxiety when people listen to music. Upbeat music also positively impacts mood and lowers stress hormone levels. Music therapy sessions also decrease cortisol, demonstrating the connection between music and stress reduction. Stringed instruments, drums, and flutes can relax the mind, especially when played moderately loud. Rain, thunder, and nature sounds, when combined with light jazz, classical, and easy listening music, also provide relaxation.
The limbic system, which is responsible for processing emotion and memory control, releases dopamine and causes us to experience chills when we hear certain music. Music can cause emotional feelings such as awe, admiration, and motivation to improve ourselves, often resulting in intense and pleasurable experiences. Music can significantly change how we sense time, particularly when listening to low, slow-tempo music, which diverts our attention away from time advancing.
Background music, including classical genres, can enhance concentration, mindset, and performance in work. It is also a powerful tool in regulating emotion, as well as being effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Selecting different types of music, at the right time, and for the right task can significantly enhance productivity. Extroverts are naturally under-stimulated, resulting in increased performance with background noise, while introverts find background noise distracting and impair performance.
Dr. Masha Godkin, a professor at National University, explains that music simultaneously activates both the left and right brains, enhancing learning and memory. This has been shown with brain imaging scans. Music boosts attention and focus by increasing alertness, while reducing distractions, with different types of music affecting the brain differently. Listening to music can also help maintain brain health, as inactivity can lead to brain cell death.
Incorporating music into stress management routines can significantly enhance mood and well-being, making it an effective way to manage stress. So, the next time you are feeling stressed out, maybe try listening to some of your favorite songs, and see how your mood changes!
Alleen Erchoff-Costet is a student at Spring Grove High School. She is one of 13 area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 25th year.
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