Your Musical World

Our life is filled with the music of our memories which are enriched with the sounds that we carry with us each day. Be it the familiar sounds of Christmas carols, our favorite nursery rhymes as children, or our favorite band songs during our teenage years which remind us of love and heartache, our life is filled with the soundtrack of music.

Music has the power to hurt and heal us. Some songs make us cry because of the days gone by, while others lift our spirits and make us feel happy and energized. We have a song for every happy and sad memory of our life, and we all have our own personal soundtracks that transport us back to a moment in time which we linked to a particular song.

Research shows that brains that are more musically attuned are more advanced than others. Brain scans of musicians revealed that professional musicians tend to have a bigger corpus callosum. These are the band of nerves that act as a bridge between the left and the right hemispheres of the brain. Even though most people are not professional musicians, the benefits of music can benefit us all. Research has found that any musical engagement can result in positive brain activity and enhanced physiological, psychological, as well as social benefits. This includes listening to music, playing an instrument, attending concerts, singing, or dancing to music.

There is a scientific reason behind the warm and fuzzy feelings we get when we hear our favorite songs. Music stimulates brain cells which enhances the generation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and oxytocin, which help us feel happier and increase our sense of wellness.

Music also has the power to reduce stress levels by lowering the release of the hormone known as cortisol, which is the “stress hormone.” This is why people often opt for music as an easy option for instant stress release.

Take charge of the happiness in your life by increasing your musical involvement on a daily basis. Try learning a new instrument, taking singing lessons, or simply attending your favorite band’s music concerts. You can listen to music on your headphones at safe volumes each day for a personal and instant way to relax and improve your mood. Let the music penetrate your life and recharge your mind, body and soul!