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Music's Positive Effects on the Body and Mind

Music's Positive Effects on the Body and Mind

We all have songs that we absolutely love and can listen to on repeat.
There are the songs that make you feel powerful and confident, the songs that you listen to when you feel sad or worried, the songs that help you feel relaxed and calm, the songs that you listen to before a big event or competition, the songs that you dance to, etc.

If you are like me, music is a part of your everyday life. I can't imagine my life without music. I listen to it on my way to and from work, at work, at home, when I'm travelling, etc.
I knew that music has an effect on us, but, seeing as music is such a big part of my life, I wanted to find out how exactly it impacts the human mind and body. I found that music affects a lot of different aspects of our life. It can affect mood, stress and anxiety, memory and learning, and pain.
I also found that it can help you if you listen to the right music, and hinder you if you listen to the wrong music at certain times, because the type of music you are listening to can really impact how you feel. Of course, each person is different, so keep it in mind that there isn't a set type of music that will affect everybody the same way.

Mood

Music can have a big impact on our mood. The horror movie industry has figured this out. That's why in scary movies, they use music that is harsh and grating. The chords don't go together and they clash. They use these sounds make you uncomfortable and nervous. 

In the swimming world, music can also have an important effect. For example, if you listen to a slow, sad song, you are more likely to feel the same way. And that's okay at the right times. Sometimes, all you want is to cuddle up with a blanket and listen to all your sad songs with a up of warm apple cider. But, if you listen to these songs right before a competition, you might have a negative impact on your performance. That's why so many people, Olympians included, listen to energetic, fast-moving songs before important events like competitions to help pump them up!
However, if you are feeling really stressed and nervous about a competition (or something else), you may want to take it a little bit slower with a song that has a slower BPM (beats per minute) to help you not become overwhelmed. 

Anxiety and Stress

Music gets our attention, and it acts as a distraction. It can help us take our mind off of something that is really bothering us. when we are distracted, we can become calmer and less tense. Music can also help us to "explore emotions [which means] it can be a great aid to meditation, helping to prevent the mind wandering".
So if you find yourself really stressed about something, try listening to music, because you will be more productive if you have less stress. If you try it, and it doesn't seem to help at all, try listening to a different style of music. 

Memory and Learning

For studying and learning improvement, most of the time, classical music is better than other types. This is because other types of music often have words, which can cause a distraction, and a distraction will not help you study and pay attention. If you are stressed about something while studying, listening to music can help you focus and study better, which will help you remember the things you are learning. "Studies show that our brains operate by rhythms", so listening to the rhythms and patterns in music helps us to think more clearly.
Tip: Listen to calming music before an important test. It will help you relax and perform better on the test.

Pain

Music has the ability to effect how you sense pain. "Music therapy has been shown to lower stress, enhance comfort and manage pain for people of all ages, genders and races"Listening to music takes your mind off the pain, and you will be able to work harder and/or longer, and make the most of your workouts.

Underwater Audio

Buying a Delphin from Underwater Audio will be one of the best decisions you can make for your swim training.

This waterproof audio/music player will help you take your mind off pain and help you focus on your form instead. Made specifically with swimmers in mind, the Delphin can go into any body of body, whether it's a pool, lake, river, or ocean!

Your Turn!

What do you think?
How does music help you focus in the classroom? In the pool?
have you heard of these benefits before?

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