Music is a part of all our lives is some way or another. For some, music acts as an anthem as we progress through our day. It helps us wake up in a better mood, motivate us through stressful times, or ease us to sleep. Research shows, however, that music aids us in many more ways than the obvious, both mentally and physically.

Let’s start with how music helps us mentally.

Reduces Stress: Music is proven to trigger biochemical stress reducers. These help us to relax in stressful or trying times. Try listening to music during some of the harder times of your day, and see if it helps you while tackling stressful jobs.

Cognitive Performance: One study done on test takers found that those accompanied by background music were able to answer more questions and with higher accuracy. This depends on the type of music and the nature of its effect on the listener. Try listening to music that puts you in a good mood while working, and see if you’re able work more efficiently.

Relax Patients before Surgery: A study found that heart patients awaiting surgery were able to calm down before their procedure with the use of music. Many doctors encourage music both before and after surgery to ease stress and anxiety.

Helps Stroke Patients Recover: A study done on recovering stroke victims found that they were able to improve memory and attention skills quicker than those that didn’t listen to music or who listened to audiobooks instead.

Physically, music affects us in ways we might not expect.

Eases Pain: In geriatric care, intensive care, or in the care of cancer patients, music can help ease pain in patients when undergoing painful treatments.

Motivates Exercise: A study performed on people on stationary bikes found that those who listened to faster music were able to work out harder. Add music to your exercise schedule to see if it helps you push yourself. Also, listening to relaxing music after a tough workout can help your body recover better.

Music Can Help Sleep Quality: In a study done on college students that experienced difficulty with sleep, classical music helped the students get deeper, better quality sleep. Try listening to Mozart or Beethoven next time you head to bed, and see if it helps you get to sleep.

Music Can Help Control Eating: A study found that listening to soft, calm music while eating can help people slow down their meals, and in the end, eat less. Next time you’re especially hungry and sit down to eat, listen to your favorite slow song to see if it helps you control how fast you’re eating.

We encourage you to integrate music into your life as much as you can. Try out some of the tips above and let us know if they work!