After the Super Bowl LVI halftime show 2022, water cooler and social media discussions were interesting, to say the least. Comments ranged from, “That was AMAZING!” to “That was AWFUL!” also “What a blast from the past!” and “Who were those performers?” Regardless of your thoughts on the Super Bowl halftime show, do you know that listening to music can lead to positive health outcomes? Many times, we focus on silence and quiet for inner peace and strength. While there is a time for silence and quiet reflection, turning the music on also has its place and benefits.
Someone asked me the other day if I was a “Broadway fan.” I replied, “It depends on the day.” Sometimes a good musical number is my go-to jam, but I also enjoy a variety of music genres. What I listen to depends on my mood, where I am, and what I am trying to accomplish. I have an internal dialogue that helps me choose what to listen to.
- What activity will I be doing? (driving, showering, studying, exercising, working, cleaning, relaxing, etc.)
- What mood am I in? (happy, sad, excited, silly, reflective, angry, etc.)
- Do I want to stay in that same mood?
- Am I somewhere I can sing and dance along?
- Is anyone going to be listening with me?
After this, I choose my song or genre, then find an existing playlist or station, turn it up (or sometimes down), and let the magic of music begin.
Some health benefits of listening to music include:
- Music = brain food
- Listening to music helps develop different neuropathways in the brain
- Music = mood changer
- Music releases dopamine and oxytocin, the brain’s feel good chemicals
- Music = stronger language
- Music helps to build language development, including sound recognition
- Music = math
- Music helps to develop rhythm, pattern-recognition, and fractions
- Music = memory
- Music transports us to a different time and place
- Music = social
- Music reminds us we are part of a team
Music can be a unifier or a divider of families and communities (as evidenced by the singing of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto). Music can help you find a way to dance when you’ve lost your rhythm and it can make a difference from moment to moment. What are you waiting for? Build your playlist, enjoy your favorite genre, and let the magic of music transform you.
Written By: Jami Dellifield, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Hardin County
Reviewed By: Misty Harmon, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County
RESOURCES
- Admin. (2012, December 24). Music genre list – a complete list of music styles, types and genres. Music Genres List. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.musicgenreslist.com/
- Chtourou, H. (2013). Benefits of Music on Health and Athletic Performance. Journal of Communications Research, 5(4), 491–506.
- Musical benefits: Learning potential. Musical benefits | Learning Potential. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/articles/musical-benefits
- Stanborough, R. J. (2020, April 1). Benefits of music on body, mind, relationships & more. Healthline. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-music
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018, February 6). Sound health. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/01/sound-health
Live Healthy Live Well 