What does listening to music do to your brain

That kind of makes sense when you think of music as a sort of universal language, right? Perhaps the healthiest thing we can do is simply enjoy it and bask in a downright catchy chorus. Stay updated with the latest news from our hospitals and clinics. Get a daily dose of inspiration and health tips by following us on Facebook! Personalized care for our smallest and most vulnerable patients. Experience the trials and triumphs from one patient to the next.

Happy, sad, excited, scared, hopeful. We see these emotions every day in our hospitals. If you've had a memorable or moving moment with SCL Health, we'd love to hear from you! Categories: Life , Mind. Why is that so important? It turns out this is actually true in the brain. Brain pathways — and even whole networks — are strengthened when they are used and are weakened when they are not used.

The brain will use the neurons in that pathway for something else. So just how does music promote well-being, enhance learning, stimulate cognitive function, improve quality of life, and even induce happiness? The answer is, because music can activate almost all brain regions and networks, it can help to keep a myriad of brain pathways and networks strong, including those networks that are involved in well-being, learning, cognitive function, quality of life, and happiness. In fact, there is only one other situation in which you can activate so many brain networks all at once, and that is when you participate in social activities.

How do you incorporate music into your life? Although the AARP survey found that those who actively listened to music showed the strongest brain benefits, even those who primarily listened to background music showed benefits, so you can turn that music on right now. Music can lift your mood, so put on a happy tune if you are feeling blue.

Uptempo music can give you energy. And if you combine music with an aerobic and social activity, you can receive the maximum health benefit from it.

Participate in a Zumba class. Do jazz aerobics. Or, better yet, go dancing. Moreover, an astonishing study in at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine showed that of many different types of physical activities, only dancing was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Another study, this time in Germany, gave us a clue as to how: dancing was associated with increased hippocampal volume the hippocampus being a centre of memory and learning and with the production of a brain protein, BDNF, which stimulates the growth of new brain cells.

If, say, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and guitarist Sharon Isbin live to be , will their musical training help them fend off the depredations of dementia? An overall review of the evidence makes clear that music is very powerful in improving mental health and well-being. But a great deal of work is needed to understand fully some fundamental issues, such as whether music promotes memory and thinking skills as we age and whether listening to or performing music protects the brain against cognitive decline.

The outstanding research questions need to be answered to provide proof of what we know intuitively about the importance and relevance of music in all aspects of life. Home Features Articles This is why music is good for your mental health, according to scientists.

All products and recordings are chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more. Is music good for you? What is the best way to memorise music? What are the saddest pieces of classical music?

The best ballet composers of all time. Professor James Goodwin. Register for an account, log in, and set up future payments using auto pay. Prefer to speak to us directly? Call Music can affect your mood The easiest way to understand why music has such a powerful effect on the mind is to monitor brain activity while someone is listening to music.

Music can help you to focus Can music really help you focus? Related Articles. What can you do to stay healthy? Access convenient, high-quality care right from the comfort of your own home. Important Links Notices. Other Links.