Rebecka Stevens
English Comp 101
15 April 2013
Effects of Music on the Mind
The study of how music affects the mind has been a subject of interest for many and often surprising when discovering the interconnection between music and the physical and mental health of human beings. Research has concluded that music does have positive effects on our mind such as it fights depression, calms nerves, boosts confidence, improves memory, increases problem solving skills, makes learning easier, and speeds healing.
Fights Depression: Lack of the neurotransmitter, Serotonin, results in a depressed state of mind. Soothing musical notes help increase the serotonin levels of the brain, thus alleviating mental depression. Listening to one’s favorite songs boosts levels of the hormone dopamine. Dopamine gets one excited and motivated to do things; there are many drugs that target this system, but music provides a natural high. If someone is feeling upset it doesn’t mean sad songs should be avoided; in fact, listening to sad songs can make them feel like someone out there knows exactly how they feel, and that can help anyone feel less alone when depressed.
Relieves Anxiety: Music can calm the nerves and sooth the mind. Our bodies will naturally attempt to synchronize with external sounds and rhythms. “Physiological changes that occur when individuals listen to music include reductions in blood pressure and pulse and heart rates, as well as increases in oxygen saturation” (McCaffrey 40). Experts in relaxation music suggest that we feed our auditory senses with music between the tempos of 60 to 90 beats per minute, as this is the ideal heart rate for relaxation. However, music that is enjoyable is important; if one does not enjoy the music, even a slow, ideally perfected tempo will not be able to calm the mind.
Boosts Confidence: A positive effect from music is on the interpersonal skills of an individual. Lack of confidence and less or no desire to learn is most often the...