As the years passed, I noticed that Mr. Bublé and Ms. Aguilera began trickling into my musical repertoire. This left me perplexed. Did a once proud rocker suddenly go soft, or was there more in play than I understood? Could music be more than just great rhythms and catchy lyrics?
Music can help you with your memories
Have you ever listened to a song only to have a memory come storming back? Studies have shown that music can: This is because music stimulates the portion of your brain, the hippocampus, that is responsible for long-term storage.
Music can save lives
Researchers taught CPR students to give a patient chest compressions to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Beegees. Remarkably, months later, those who learned this had an easier time remembering the rhythm of compressions versus those who didn’t learn it.
Sing loud and proud in the shower
Looking to kick start your day? Turn up the tunes and let loose in the shower. Don’t listen to just anything, though. Make sure your choices include songs like Wonderful World, Beautiful Day, Walking on Sunshine, and Don’t Stop Believing. These types of songs have the ability to bring up your day through the messages they give and the joyous state that will ensue. Oh, and don’t be shy about having the neighbors hear you.
Music can take you over the plateau at the gym
Have you struggled to best yourself at the gym? This is what’s called a plateau. It turns out that there is a strong correlation between upbeat music and exercise. Listening to music distracts you from everything that is trying to get your attention, thus enabling your heart and muscles to work at a faster pace. If you don’t believe me, listen to what is being played at the next Spin Class.
It’s ok to listen to ‘angry’ music
Controlling our emotions, specifically, anger can hinder you. Anger and performance go hand-in-hand. Studies have shown that anger will bring you focus, all-the-while keeping you persistent, and optimistic about achieving your goals. So, what does this mean for you? Throw on some Slayer, Motörhead, or Pantera and get your anger out.
Music boosts your immune system
Music has a soothing effect on us. Scientists have shown that listening to upbeat types of music, leads to the secretion of immune-boosting hormones. Not only that, but it can decrease the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. The next time you’ve had a stressful day, go home, turn on some lively music and feel the stress melt off as you dance the night away.
Trouble with love?
Beware. Use this piece of knowledge cautiously. Women are more likely to give you their phone number after hearing a string of slow, romantic songs. If you have been rejected more times than you care to admit, request some slower songs from the DJ, wait for them to play, and then make your move. Yes, you read that right. Even you can get a date under the right circumstances. Music does more good for you than just making your ears happy. The next time you hear something that you don’t like on the radio, give it a second before you change the station.
