7 amazing benefits of listening to music

Music helps boost our mood and cognitive abilities, and there are many other benefits of music that we may not yet be aware of, according to Livestrong.

Music has long been known to help develop the cognitive abilities of infants. Research from the Institute at the University of Washington (USA) shows that the rhythm of music can enhance a child's speech along with their ability to detect and respond quickly to speech and learning skills.

Boost your mood.

According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, music has the potential to treat depression. And another study shows that listening to soothing music can actually transform a person's outlook on life.

So, if you want to see the positive aspects of life, listen to music.

Reduce anxiety

A study by the University of Minnesota (USA) found that listening to music for 80 minutes a day helped reduce anxiety levels in depressed patients by 19%.

Improve cardiovascular health

Some of the most recent studies on music and health show a correlation between cardiovascular health and classical music – particularly the works of Mozart and Strauss. According to a study by the University of Bochum (Germany), research subjects experienced reduced cortisol – the stress hormone – along with lower blood pressure and heart rate after listening to 25 minutes of classical music.

Boost immunity

A study conducted by the Psychology Department of McGill University (Canada) found that listening to music increases levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody found in the digestive tract, lungs, and on mucous membrane surfaces that helps prevent infection. Meanwhile, for those suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer, singing in a choir may be key to maintaining high spirits and immunity. And the positive effects are immediate. A study published in April of this year found that just one hour of singing in a choir increased immune proteins while also reducing stress and improving mood.

Rapid recovery after stroke

Stroke or brain injury can make recovery difficult. But thanks to music, patients have regained their communication skills. Music has also been used to enhance memories in people with Alzheimer's disease. A study conducted by the University of California-Irvine showed that Alzheimer's patients scored higher on memory tests when they listened to classical music.

Sleep support

A study focusing on teenagers with sleep disorders found that those who listened to classical music for 45 minutes before bed experienced reduced anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. This resulted in significantly better sleep compared to those who listened to nothing. Researchers believe that music helps relax muscles while calming the mood, leading to better sleep.

Eat less

Researchers suggest that enjoying food in a pleasant atmosphere encourages people to stay longer and, therefore, eat more. But the relaxed ambiance of the music prompts them to eat slowly and less.

According to Thanh Nien newspaper