What does classical music do to the brain when we listen to it? Does it really calm us down or does it stimulate us?
Music has always played a significant role in human life. From ancient times until now, music has been used to communicate emotions, convey messages, and even heal. Classical music is often associated with relaxation and meditation.
However, recent studies suggest that listening to classical music can also improve cognitive function. In fact, some researchers believe that classical music can enhance memory, concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
So, What does Classical Music do to the Brain?
Brainpower and cognitive function
Music has long been used to improve our mental health. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that listening to classical music helped reduce anxiety and increase focus. Researchers believe that the calming effect of classical music stems from the fact that it contains slow rhythms and melodic patterns. These are similar to those found in nature, such as in the wind chimes outside your window.
The researchers tested how well people could perform tasks while either listening to classical music or watching a video. They found that participants performed better when listening to classical music compared to watching videos. This suggests that classical music helps improve cognitive functions, including attention and memory.
Relaxation and reduced stress
Music relaxes us and reduces stress. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that listening to relaxing music lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Researchers believe that it works because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls digestion, breathing, and relaxation.
Playing classical music helps reduce anxiety. Another study showed that people who listened to Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos KV 545 had less anxiety than those who listened to Beethoven’s Moonlight sonata. They concluded that Mozart’s work is calming and soothing.
Classical music calms kids down. In another study, researchers asked children to play a game called Simon Says. Half of the children played classical music during the game, while the others did not. Children who listened to classical music performed better than those who didn’t.
The researchers concluded that classical music helped calm the children down.
Improved memory
Listening to classical music can increase brain activity and boost memory, according to research published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. A team led by Dr. David Zald of the University of Toronto conducted a study involving 60 healthy adults aged 18–30. They played three different types of music – jazz, rock and classical – while participants completed a working memory task. Afterward, researchers found that those who listened to classical music performed best on the test.
The findings are consistent with previous studies showing that listening to classical music improves memory recall. Researchers believe that the reason why classical music helps improve memory is because it increases blood flow to the brain, which stimulates neurons and boosts cognitive function.
A separate study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology suggests that listening to classical music can reduce stress levels. Participants who listened to Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major were less stressed during stressful situations compared to those who listened to pop songs.
Assisted sleep
A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that classical music helps people fall asleep faster.
The research team asked participants to listen to either slow classical music or fast rock music while lying down in bed. They measured how long it took each person to fall asleep, and found that those who listened to classical music fell asleep almost twice as quickly as those listening to rock music.
Music with lyrics can lead to multi-tasking and overstimulation. This makes it harder to fall asleep.
Slow tempos help the body calm down and prepare for sleep.
Makes you happy
Want to get out of that terrible mood you’re in? Music can do it. A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that listening to classical music increases dopamine secretion, which activates our brain’s reward and pleasure centers. This helps us feel happier.
In fact, a 2013 study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that music can actually make us happier. They asked participants to listen to either Mozart or Vivaldi while having their brains scanned. When the subjects listened to Mozart, activity increased in the ventral striatum, a part of the brain associated with positive emotions like joy and love. When they listened to Vivaldi, however, activity increased in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, a region involved in negative emotions such as fear and anxiety.
The takeaway here is simple: If you want to cheer yourself up, turn on some tunes.
Conclusion
Classical music has been proven to have many positive effects on the human mind and body. Studies show that listening to classical music increases creativity, improves moods, reduces stress levels, and even helps us sleep better. And if you’re looking for a new hobby, why not give it a shot? There’s nothing like sitting down to enjoy a beautiful piece of art.
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