Music is an essential part of human life as well as modern-day workplace. It is rare to find someone who does not have a pair of headphones or earbuds at their desk, in most workplaces. From the ancient times, human beings have used this wonder tool for various purposes. The advances made in neuroscience, in recent times, have enabled researchers to quantitatively measure just how music affects the brain.

Music is known to activate certain parts of the brain. Listening to or playing music can make us smarter, happier, healthier and more productive at all stages of life. Science has now proven, that listening to upbeat music can improve our mood. Listening to and playing music on headphones reduces chronic stress, a common modern age problem by lowering the stress hormone cortisol. 

People around the world respond to music in a universal way. There are countless ways we can use music to live a better life. Music can improve mood, increase intelligence, enhance learning and concentration, and ward off the effects of brain aging.

Improves mood and reduces stress

When we are sad or are going through a tough time, listening to music on a personal headset or earbud can help release emotional tension. Music can make us feel more hopeful, powerful, and in control of our life.

Music also affects mood by stimulating the formation of certain brain chemicals such as dopamine. Dopamine, the chemical that helps producing feelings of pleasure and satisfaction or generally known as the brain’s “motivation molecule” is an important part of the pleasure-reward system. It is responsible for the feel-good states obtained from eating chocolate or being with your loved one.

Makes us more productive and creative

Speaking of motivation, headphones at workplace are a necessity today. Music tends to ignite creativity and inspiration. When one is about to begin a creative project or in a situation to tackle a difficult task, listening to upbeat music can be a great mood booster and may provide a motivational jumpstart. Also, it is visual cue for “do not disturb, at work” in open-plan offices for people who need some solitude at work.

Music can even make repetitive tasks more productive. Music serves as distraction and relieves of the fatigue that comes in from the repetitiveness of tasks. Thus, one can continue to work for longer without needing a break to recharge. This, in turn, increases productivity.

Music as a therapy

Listening to music has enormous health benefits as well.

A little-known fact is that music can assist in treating both acute and chronic sleep disorders. When we listen to specifically designed music for sleep, the brain relaxes and helps us keep asleep and get a sound sleep. To achieve this, one can also opt for headphones that are especially designed for sleeping. Adequate sleep, subsequently, keeps mind and body healthy.

Music as a therapy has also proven beneficial in treating people with autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s, emotional trauma, and a variety of mental disorders including depression.

Conclusion

Music has more benefits than what most people know of; research dishes out one every day. However, how music affects us as individuals is a deeply personal experience that varies from one to another. The way we consume it, also, varies from person-to-person. Speakers or headphones, car or home - one needs to make sure to make one feels pleasant, happy and healthy whenever she or he listens to music. Happy listening!