Put on your headphones! 10 benefits of listening to music

Enhances mood  Listening to music releases dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone in the brain that can boost your mood. Dopamine helps alleviate feelings of sadness or anxiety.

Stress reduction Music can lower cortisol levels in the body helping which in turn reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Calm, soothing music is particularly effective in this regard.

Improved sleep Listening to gentle music before bed can help improve the quality and duration of sleep, making it easier to rest.

Emotional expression Music provides an outlet for expressing feelings, helping individuals to process and communicate emotions.

Cognitive benefits Immersing yourself in music, by listening to songs or playing an instrument, can improve cognitive function, memory and attention.

Social connection Music often brings people together, fostering social connections and a sense of community, which can enhance overall mental well-being.

Pain management Music has been found to help reduce the perception of pain and can be used as a complementary therapy in medical settings.

Motivation  Upbeat music can boost motivation during physical activities, making exercise more enjoyable and effective.

Therapeutic use Music therapy is a recognised treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD and schizophrenia. It has also been shown to quell anxiety symptoms, leading to people feeling more at ease in stressful situations.

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