Music and Health: Benefits, Playlists, and Apps for a Happier You
Music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and for good reason. Not only can it be enjoyable to listen to, but it can also have numerous benefits for your health. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which music can improve your mental and physical health, as well as provide you with some top playlists and apps to help you on your journey.
The Benefits of Music for Your Health
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
One of the most well-known benefits of music is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to music can help lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, and promote the production of endorphins, which can help to boost your mood.
Boosts Your Mood
In addition to reducing stress, music can also help to boost your mood. Listening to upbeat music has been shown to increase feelings of happiness and positivity, while slower, more relaxing music can help to calm you down and promote feelings of tranquillity.
Improves Your Sleep Quality
If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, music might be able to help. Listening to calming music before bed has been shown to improve sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster.
Enhances Your Exercise Performance
If you’re looking to get more out of your workouts, adding music to your routine might be the key. Studies have shown that listening to music while exercising can help to increase endurance, reduce perceived effort, and even improve your mood.
Top Playlists for Sleep and Relaxation
Top Music Playlists for Workout and Exercise
Top Music Apps for Health and Wellness
Calm: This app offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and calming music to help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Headspace: With guided meditations and mindfulness exercises, Headspace can help you reduce anxiety and stress while improving your overall well-being
Endel: Named the Apple Watch App of the Year in 2020. Allowing you to create custom soundscapes to help you achieve sleep, focus or relaxation goals.
Bettersleep: With 55 million downloads, BetterSleep combines rich soundscapes, bedtime stories and guided meditations to alleviate everything from anxiety to tinnitus.