Effects of Music

Effects of Music

     Music is one of the few activities that involves using whole brain. It is intrinsic to all cultures and can have surprising benefits. Some music can calm us down and it has been used in the medical field as a source of therapy. Of course, music can be distracting if it's too loud, or if it competes for our attention with what we're trying to do. But for the most part, exposure to many kinds of music has beneficial effects.

     First of all, choosing music that motivates you will make it easier to start moving, walking, dancing, or any type of exercise that you enjoy. Music can make exercise feel more like recreation and less like work. Furthermore, music enhances athletic performance. Anyone who has ever gone on a long run with their iPod or taken a particularly energetic aerobics class knows that music can make the time pass more quickly.

     Just as music can energize you, it can also soothe you. Relaxing music reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, decreases anxiety, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate and may have positive effects on sleep via muschle relaxation and distraction from thoughts. Relaxing classical music is safe, cheap and easy way to beat insomnia. Many people who suffer from insomnia find that Bach music helps them. Researchers have shown that just 45 minutes of relaxing music before bedtime can make for a restful night.

     Another effect of music is on the memory. Mozart's music and baroque music, with a 60 beats per minute beat pattern, activities the left and right brain. The simultaneous left and right brain action maximizes learning and retention of information. The information being studied activates the left brain while the music activates the right brain. Also, activities which engage both sides of the brain at the same time, such as playing an instrument or singing, cause the brain to be more capable of processing information.

     Overall, music can improve the quality of life. Listening to music motivates people during physical activity, soothes and relaxes people and facilitates the recall of information. It can be said that music is a very powerful tool that can have positive effects mentally and physically when used in the right context.

quote:bogazici university, writing booklet-8; spring-2013