As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt daily life, we have launched this blog series dedicated entirely to different areas of mental wellness. These blogs are based on a mental wellness initiative that we have started within our communities for our residents entitled “Recharge Your Battery”. This initiative focuses on mental wellness strategies and equips our associates with the tools they need to check in with our residents and to address any needs, just as we would with physical health.
For today’s topic, we’ll be focusing on listening to music and its surprising effects on mental wellness. New research shows that listening to music can promote emotional health, help people cope with stress and boost psychological well-being. We’ve compiled additional benefits below – music to our ears!
- Music can improve cognitive performance.
- Music may reduce symptoms of depression.
- Music can reduce stress.
- Music can improve your memory.
- Music can help manage pain.
So, what type of music should you listen to? We recommend the below genres!
- Classical music: Listening to classical composers can enhance brain activity and act as a catalyst for improving health and well-being.
- Nature music: Listening to the sounds of nature, like waves crashing or a babbling brook, has been shown to enhance cognitive function and concentration – not to mention enhances relaxation! There’s a reason you often hear music like this in a spa atmosphere.
- Cinematic music: An intense film score can make you feel like you’re doing something inspiring or important, even if you’re just chipping away at your to-do list. Cinematic music scores can empower, lift your spirits and brighten your mood.
- Music between 50 and 80 beats per minute: Some research suggests that it’s not the type of music that’s important in helping you stay focused and productive, but the tempo of that music. Studies have found that listening to music set in the 50- to 80-beat range puts the brain into an alpha state. When our brain slows to between 7 and 14 HZ, we’re in a more relaxed alpha state of mind that allows us to be more receptive, open and less critical.
- Your favorite music: Studies have found that putting on your favorite type of music can improve your mood and productivity. Being productive has been linked to living longer and making healthier choices.