Music is a powerful force. If it doesn’t seem so to you, then you should know that it is forbidden for athletes in competitions because it is considered that, just like steroids and drugs, it can give an unfair advantage to those who would use it. Why, you ask? Because it can provide a great amount of energy and increase endurance. Fantastic, isn’t it?
A Boost for Everyone
However, even though athletes are not allowed to use it in competitions, this is great news for all of us because obviously, we can use it for ourselves, when we need a boost, when we are struggling, when we lack energy or motivation.
Music: Impact on the Body and Mind
One of the ways melody motivates us and gives us energy is by acting on our emotions and nervous system. It activates our nerves and thus increases alertness, tracking, and motivation to solve a problem. Specifically, music affects the airflow through the airways, making them more passable, heart rates increase, and muscles become ready for movement.
Rhythmic Influences
Just small changes in the rhythm of music significantly affect our body and mind, immediately increasing our heart rate and accelerating our breathing. This is excellent motivation when we need to perform a difficult or tedious task.
Synchronization of Brain Activities
Research has also shown that music synchronizes the actions of different parts of our brain. Namely, brain activities were monitored while listening to music, and it was shown that signals arriving there synchronized better, creating better connections and a general cognitive and emotional experience.
Music and Movement
Much of what has been mentioned is already known, while newer studies say that constant sounds that repeat, relating to drumming, synchronize brain waves in such a way that they affect how we move. Therefore, music affects movement coordination, and repetitive movements with music are much more efficient. This is supported by the fact that individuals who exercise with music usually exercise more, specifically can run longer, and use less oxygen in the process.
Psychological Endurance and Emotional Expression
Psychological and mental endurance is also something that music gives us. It distracts thoughts from the negative aspects of a task. Namely, under the influence of music, the brain system for alertness and tracking, located in the frontal lobe, is activated more than usual, and at the same time, activity is reduced in other parts of the brain. If we focus on a dear and favorite song while solving a task, signals are created in the brain that fight against demotivation and boredom. And to make the news even happier, the results are better, the more intense the music.
The Power of Music to Improve Mood
Of course, we should not forget the fact that with the help of music, we better express emotions, and it also improves our mood. So, next time when you don’t feel like doing something, but you know you have to do it, whether it’s about cleaning the house or mastering a task that your boss has asked of you, definitely play your favorite melody. It will pay off multiple times.
