Brain well-being improves by listening
Sound can affect the well-being of the brain in a number of different ways. Music and audiobooks are a good example of how sound can be used to influence brain function and one's own alertness.
There is not a single culture in the world where music does not exist in some form. Music contains elements that affect the basic emotions common to all of humanity. Along with exercise, music is considered one of the most important means of stress management.
The healing power of music
Music improves the well-being, health, mood and function of the brain. It has also been found to have rehabilitative effects," says Chief Physician Seppo Soinila In the network published by the Finnish Brain Association,in the article.
Music can reduce stress and relieve anxiety, depression and pain. At the same time, well-being increases. The effect of music can be seen as physiological reactions when blood pressure drops, heart rate slows down and levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and endorphins decrease. Music also affects breathing and muscle tension, for example. And best of all, the effect of music can be felt in both the musician and the listener. It doesn't matter if you are sitting on the stage of a concert hall or in an audience.
Listening to music improves well-being in the following ways, for example:
- Mood improves
- Stress is relieved
- feeling cheerful or calmer
- Concentration improves
- Social bonds are strengthened
Music promotes learning and processing emotions
For a child, making music together means, above all, an increase in trust and a sense of security. Music helps children process and analyse their emotions. Although the activating effect of music is particularly visible in children, the effect continues throughout the population.
According to the latest comparative studies, the impact of music practice on emotional development, interactions, skill level and performance is undeniable, and therefore the impact of music on learning can also be significant. Music promotes cognitive functions, such as attention, learning and communication skills, when brain areas that regulate conceptual thinking, memory and emotions are activated.
The effects of music are stronger when we hear music that we like. Docent Minna Huotilainen says Favorite music activates structures that usually require a very strong stimulus that produces fear or pleasure to react. Music can do the same – as if just like that. Music can affect the brain very quickly.
Well-being improves by listening
Based on preliminary results, music has been found to balance the well-being of the brain and also the brain function of people suffering from depression. In studies, music has also improved the mood and quality of life of cancer and dementia patients, for example, writes Liisa Ukkola-Vuoti in the scientific review of the Medical Journal.
Meaningful music takes care of:
- stroke
- blood pressure
- pain
- anxiety
- depression
- loneliness
The impact of audiobooks on well-being
Audiobooks are often consumed in situations where reading a physical book is challenging – in other words, when you are doing something else at the same time. Brain researcher Minna Huotilainen encourages listening to audiobooks Especially while doing other things, because listening to an audiobook can give the brain the same benefits as reading. And listening can be even easier than sitting still!
However, listening to an audiobook and reading a physical book differ somewhat. Huotilainen describes reading as an active but calm performance. As a result, the level of stress hormones decreases and physiology calms down. Listening to an audiobook, on the other hand, supports the memory system and maintains cognitive functions – and also improves concentration.
The effects of sound and music on well-being are considerable. Concentration and emotional state often improve with music and sound without you even noticing. Perhaps next time you can pay more attention to how music, an audiobook or even a podcast affects your state of being.