Most people have a favorite song. For centuries, we’ve used songs and music to tell stories and share our histories. But in addition to telling us stories and allowing us to share histories, music can also have a positive impact on our health.

We've put together a list of a few ways that music has been proven to affect us.

Pain

Studies show music has a positive effect on mental and physical health. It helps boost the body's immune system and lowers stress. It’s even been found to be more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery.

Heart Health

Blood flows more easily when music is played. It can also reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. On the flip side, it triggers the release endorphins in the blood.

Brain Function

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, music therapy helps relieve some of its symptoms. Music can relax an agitated patient and improve their mood. Advanced Alzheimer’s patients often lose their ability to have conversations with others. Many stop speaking completely. Music therapy helps keep them talking.  

Physical Endurance

Listening to music while you work out can boost physical performance and increase endurance during a tough exercise session.

Anxiety/Depression

When you listen to music you like, your brain releases dopamine, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter. It helps alleviate depression, anxiety and agitation while improving brain function and overall quality of life.

Stress

Listening to music fights the unhealthy effects of chronic stress. By lowering the stress hormone cortisol,  it helps promote wellbeing. Research even shows music has an impact on antibodies that nurture natural immunity and higher levels of bacteria-fighting cells.

Music and Learning

Music, taught in and out of schools, can help students excel in many ways. It can boost: 

• Language development
• Test scores
• Brain connectivity
• Spatial intelligence

Studies show music training develops an area in the left side of the brain involved with processing language. It can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways.

So sign in to your favorite music account and start listening.

Sources: Music and Health: What You Need to Know,  National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2022; The Benefits of Listening to Music,  Healthline, 2020

Originally published 3/13/2018; Revised 2023