The Magic In Music :“Music is the strongest form of magic” – Marilyn Manson
The Magic In Music : Ever had a sudden feeling of happiness, sadness or excitement you can’t explain anytime a song comes on? I remember as child going on road trips with my parents to another state, my dad would rotate between playing Michael Bolton, Celine Dion or straight up Juju music in the car. Now whenever I hear Michael Bolton singing about his lost love, or King Sunny Ade’s calm voice, I can’t help getting this feeling of nostalgia and have images of landscape rolling by in my mind. That’s part of the magic in music!
Over the years music has become so many things to me; a means to relax, something to cheer me up, a tune to remind me of the formula I read on page 21 of my algebra notes, getting in the zone to create that awesome design or just something to fill the silence. There are lots more proven benefits of listening to music but I’ll just highlight a few:
1. Music Makes You Happier
“Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life” – Jean Paul.
Research proves that when you listen to music you like, your brain releases dopamine, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Feeling down? Listen to some music to lift your spirit
2. Music Lowers Stress and Improves Health
“Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once.” – Robert Browning.
Listening to music you enjoy decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress. To have a stressed-free day at work plug in your earphones, turn on the radio or listen to that album you love so much, you can hum, tap your feet or even sing along!
3. Music Reduces Depression
“There’s nothing like music to relieve the soul and uplift it.” – Mickey Hart.
More than 350 million people suffer from depression around the world. A study by Hans Joachim Trappe in Germany demonstrated that music can benefit patients with depressive symptoms, depending on the type of music.
4. Music Strengthens Learning and Memory
“Music is the language of memory.” – Jodi Picoult.
Remember those algebra notes I talked about? Wasn’t kidding! Researchers discovered that music can help you learn and recall information better
5. Music Reduces Pain
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” – Bob Marely.
Research at Drexel University in Philadelphia found that music therapy and pre-recorded music reduced pain more than standard treatments in cancer patients.
These and many more benefits can be found in the magic that is music. So in the words of William Shakespeare “If music be the food of love, play on!”
About The Author
Bukky is a creative designer, currently exploring interaction design and creating lasting experiences for people. She loves music, movies, and books – “I guess I can survive a deserted island if I have those.”
