Stress is a killer; music is an antidote. Multiple medical studies have demonstrated that listening to music can substantially reduce levels of cortisol, the main human stress hormone. Now, that doesn’t apply to all music; apparently “soothing” music is the best antidote.
Some of what the studies have revealed:
• Soothing melodies and certain types of harmonic and rhythmic structures result in an increase in the release of dopamine, the chemical substance that delivers pleasure and happy moods.
• A boost in serotonin has also been shown to occur listening to music, which serves to stabilize your emotions and reduce any anxiety you might be feeling.
• Another chemical at work in the human body, oxytocin, is elevated as you play music or sing with others. Oxytocin reinforces positive feelings of social bonding and security.
• And then there are the endorphins, those pain relievers, that are elevated during rhythmic movements, such as with dancing or playing music.
Other stress-relieving benefits associated with listening to music include a refocusing of your mind away from the issues that cause stress. Music is an engaging distraction that redirects your focus away from negative thoughts or stressors toward the sensory appeal of the music. As well, various entertaining tempos slow the alpha waves in the brain and are therefore calming. And music allows for the expression and safe release of emotions like grief and tension.
All in all, if you want to relieve your stress, listen to a nice piece of music.