NESNV Logo

Amazing Benefits Of Listening Classical Music

On 16th Mar, 2022 by NARAYANA VIDYALAYAM

For thousands of years, humans have been intrinsically linked to music in all its forms. It is part of our mourning, our celebrations, and our rituals. There is no doubt that there are benefits to be found in many different genres of music. It can often seem to help when nothing else is able to change our mood or motivate us. Classical music has long been seen as a status symbol and is often associated with the wealthy. Having an orchestra perform at a gathering or function was something only the rich could do. Fast forward to this day and age, it has more or less remained that way – but with the advent of technology and music streaming platforms, it is easier than ever to access this otherwise “exclusive” music. Now that it’s more accessible for everyone, it’s great to know that classical music boasts some amazing benefits for your mood, brain, and physical performance just to name a few!

Here’s a closer look at some benefits of listening to classical music:
Scientists already know that listening to music results in various neuronal and physiological changes.

 

Scientifically Proven Benefits of Classical Music

1. Brain Boost!
There is something called the “Mozart Effect,” which made many people believe that listening to music, particularly classical music, made you smarter.

“Listening to classical music enhanced the activity of genes that are mainly related to reward and pleasure, cognitive functions and proper brain function.”Many researchers have discovered that students test far better when listening to classical music. It’s so well documented that it is known as the “Mozart Effect.”

Though they aren’t certain of the logistics, those who listen to music take less time to complete tests, get more answers right overall, and gradually improve their IQ. Researchers found that listening to music positively affected the activity of up-regulated genes involved in dopamine secretion and transport, synaptic function, learning and memory.

2. Healing Properties.
Music therapy has been used in a variety of medical fields since the 1800s. Studies have shown that soothing classical music is often played in post-anesthesia units because of its ability to improve comfort and reduce pain. This is due to the effect of the music on the brain, whereby it makes the person focus on the sounds rather than the physical pain.

For those in recovery from surgery, dealing with disability, or affected by the ravages of aging, music helps to reprogram the brain to focus on the music rather than the physical pain. It has also been shown to speed the healing of damaged tissue.

3. Stress-Relief and Mood Changer.
If you’re feeling sad or overwhelmed, take a few moments of your day to listen to some classical music. Just like its healing properties, it has a tremendous affect on mood and stress and has been proven to have the same physiological affects as a massage. You know when you’re in the club turning up on a Saturday night, it gets too crazy and you need to take a step outside? Well, classical music has the opposite effect that that loud, aggressive, heavy beat music has on you. Club music can encourage stress and anxiety while classical music calms you down and improves your mood. If you are feeling anxious, sad, or out of control, take a few minutes to stop for a little while and listen to classical music. Studies have found that it has the same physiological effect of a massage. This simple therapy technique causes positive chemical reactions within your brain that help with symptoms of stress and depression. Avoid listening to hard music or club beats if your emotions are in chaos since science has proven that they can make a bad situation worse emotionally. In Germany, they are testing the use of Mozart to lower driver aggression on the nation’s highways.

4. Get the quality sleep your body needs.
Well, not really – but because classical music is so potent in calming the mind, your body naturally follows and also enters a more relaxed state. This has proven extremely effective with people suffering from insomnia and other disorders. Classical, along with white noise and natural sounds, are favorites for therapists to use when conducting sleep therapy. Substitute your pills and other sleep “aids” for some classical music!
One benefit of classical music is that it helps to relax your body physically while calming your mind. College students affected by insomnia showed improvement when they substituted random sleep aids with 45 minutes of classical music therapy.

5. Physical Push.
When you’re in the gym, you bump your favorite type of music to get you in the zone as you’re going through your reps. When you’re running, the music keeps you going and gives a little push when you’re about to give in. There have been studies that have shown a positive correlation between increased physical performance and any type of music. For some it’s classical and for others, it’s heavy metal.

Classical is no longer “high brow” music, but music that offers an amazing range of benefits. I think that sleeping better and faster alone is worth starting to listen to classical music, but it offers all the things mentioned above and then some.

Several studies have linked the benefits of music to getting the most out of your workout. Music makes you cycle harder, run faster, boosted endurance, and improved overall motivation about exercise. Choosing a favorite selection of songs makes it easier to “get into the zone” and focus on the music rather than the exertion.

 

– By Mr. Sameer B. Jagtap
(Music Teacher-NVA)


Related Posts