Do you love listening to music? If the answer is yes, then you are in good company. As Charles Darwin once remarked “If I had to live my life over again, I would have made a rule to read poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.” Jimi Hendrix referred to music as his “religion”.

 

If you are fascinated with musicians then you are not the only one. Scientific research shows that listening to music improves our mental well being and boosts our physical health in various ways. Music has also proven to sharpen the IQ. Below are some of the astonishing benefits of listening to music.

 

1. Music makes you feel happy

 

William James said “ I don't sing because I am happy, I am happy because I sing”.

 

As proved by research, listening to music you love helps release dopamine in our brain. As you know dopamine is also known as the “ feel good“ hormone, listening to music releases a large amount of dopamine. We feel emotions of joy, excitement and happiness. So if you are sad and need an emotional boost, time in to your favourite music.

 

 

2. Music is good for running performance.

 

Eminem once said “If people take anything from my music, it should be motivation to know that anything is possible as long as you keep working at it and don't back down.” A study done by Marcelo Bigliassi and his colleagues found that runners who tuned in to fast or slow motivational music were able to complete the first 800 metres of their run faster than runners who listened to calm or no music. So the next time you need a good running performance, just tune in to your favourite motivation songs.

 

 

3. Music improves health and lowers stress.

 

Billy Joel said “ I think music is in itself a healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we all are touched by. No matter what culture we’re from”. Listening to music stress levels, especially the stress hormone cortisol. To remain calm and healthy, if the day is stressful just listen to your favourite soothing music or just turn on the radio. Make sure you sing along to get the most healing benefit.

 

4. Music helps you sleep better.

 

Berthold Auerbach said “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Over 50% people in the world suffer from Insomnia. A study showed that listening to classical music helps us in relaxation and improves our sleep.

 

5. Music reduces depression.

 

Maya Angelou said “ Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.” Today more than 350 million people suffer from depression in the world. A study showed that listening to meditative sounds or classical music helps combat against depression. When you feel low next time and need a boost, put on some classical or mediative slow music to lift up your spirits.