Music Does a Body Good
Don’t forget about music when it comes to self-care! Research has shown that listening to music can alleviate anxiety, lower blood pressure, and reduce pain. It is also proven to improve sleep quality, regulate mood, increase mental alertness, and aid memory and cognition. By managing stress, it regulates hormones and helps your immune system to function at its optimum level. Music increases motivation and performance and boosts creativity. It maintains heart health, regulates your nervous system, and protects the health of your brain. Listening to or playing music provides a total brain workout and has both immediate and lasting benefits for mind, body, and soul.
Music
Researchers have even delved into specific types of music to determine their effects on the body and mind. In one study, students were asked to complete cognitive tasks with and without music. Students exposed to background music completed more tasks and got more answers right – when the music was relaxing, like classical or smooth jazz. Another study found that when students listened to classical music before bed, it helped them sleep better than those who listened to an audiobook or nothing. One interesting and unexpected benefit of classical music was discovered in London. After 18 months of playing classical music in train stations, incidents of vandalism had decreased by 37%, there were 33% fewer robberies, and assaults on staff were reduced by 25%. Listening to relaxing music, such as smooth jazz, can induce an alpha-wave state in your brain, which makes it a perfect way to wind down at the end of the day. On the other end of the spectrum, rock or pop music has been found to increase endurance and physical performance during a workout. Using music tempo to test the motivation levels of cyclists on static bikes, when tempo was increased by 10%, the distance, pedaling speed, and power exerted by the cyclists also increased. Listening to upbeat and happy music regularly can help regulate your brain chemistry and help you maintain greater mental and emotional balance. Even rap and heavy metal have been determined to have a positive boost and help combat depression by increasing feelings of self-confidence and ability to overcome obstacles or achieve success.
Whatever music you choose, the folks here at EIL recommend you get out and enjoy our local music scene. There is live music happening daily and it’s not hard to find the sounds that speak to your soul, whatever the genre. Keep up with who’s playing where and when by following our I’m With the Band blog at elegantislandliving.net and on on Facebook and Instagram @imwiththebandssi. We also have the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, Golden Isles Live, and Island Concert Association presenting stellar music throughout the year.
You won’t want to miss Island Concert Association’s 2023 February Festival at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. Concerts take place every Tuesday night of the month at 7:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public. On February 7, pianist Anna Bogolubova, a leading performer/composer will be featured. Winner of the 1018 Lynn Concerto Competition, violist Kayla Williams, will perform with pianist Chris McCarthy on February 14. The Seipp/Sheets Duo featuring Randall Sheets on organ and Chuck Seipp on trumpet will perform February 21. The festival will close on February 28 with Arkai Music, featuring the genre-bending sounds of Jonathan Miron on violin, Philip Sheegog on cello, and Jeremy Smith on percussion. For more information and to become a member of Island Concert Association, visit islandconcertassociation.org.
Get out there and find the music that moves you!
