Listening to Music for Stress Relief and Alleviating Depression.

Music is a powerful element that influences our emotions and mood. Additionally, research suggests that it can have positive effects on our physical health. In this article, we will explore the various effects that music has on us.

 

Music has a significant impact on our lives, evident in both our mental and physiological aspects.

 

Sad Music: Aiding in the Relief of Depression

Listening to music can help alleviate feelings of depression. Dr. Kim Byung-soo, the director of the Department of Mental Health, explained, "Music definitely has the function of inducing emotions" and "it changes the brain's activity responsible for emotions." Particularly when feeling down, listening to sad music can provide a comforting sensation. A study conducted by a research team at the University of South Florida involved 38 university students diagnosed with depression and 38 without. The results showed that the participants experiencing sadness tended to choose sad music more often. Participants reported feeling "soothed, comforted, and relaxed" after listening to sad music. Biologically, sad music stimulates the secretion of hormones like prolactin and oxytocin, which help cope with loss and pain, leading to a calmer and more stabilized state of mind.

 

Upbeat Music: Enhancing Exercise Performance

Music serves as an excellent companion to elevate the effectiveness of exercise. Dr. Kim Byung-soo stated, "The speed of sound is an important factor influencing emotional changes, and heart rate tends to synchronize with the sounds we hear" and emphasized, "That's why the tempo of music is crucial during exercise." It's recommended to choose music with a tempo of around 120-140 beats per minute (bpm) when listening during exercise. According to a research team from the University of Verona in Italy, exercise performance was higher when participants listened to fast-paced music. Women who participated in the study experienced an increase in heart rate when exposed to music with a fast beat. The rapid tempo and high volume stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, encouraging more energy expenditure during exercise and facilitating faster movements.

 

Pain Relief Effect

Music is also effective in relieving pain. A study conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London revealed that adults experiencing acute pain experienced greater reduction in pain when actively listening to music. Additionally, an analysis of 97 clinical trials conducted between 1995 and 2014 by a research team at Ewha Womans University showed that music therapy reduced the use of anesthesia in participants suffering from pain due to disorders such as cancer. Music stimulates pain receptors and captures the patient's attention differently, reducing stress and anxiety, thus aiding in pain relief.

 

Music has a significant impact on our lives, evident in both our mental and physiological aspects. When feeling down, choose sad music, and opt for upbeat tunes during exercise to enjoy a healthy and happy life. Additionally, utilizing music for relaxation when experiencing pain is a beneficial approach.