Is listening to music good for your health?
Sometimes…if you are paying attention…the Universe prods you in the direction you should go. Or in my case, the topic I should write about.
It started with a YouTube video. My husband and I were watching the question-and-answer portion of Dale and Amy Ernhardt’s podcast, Bless Your Hardt. One of the viewers asked, “If you had to choose between only listening to your favorite song/artist over and over for the rest of your life (nothing else) or never listening to your favorite again, but being able to continue listening to all other music, which would you choose?” The answer for me was pretty simple, I would definitely choose the ability to listen to a variety of music. The thought of not being able to match my music to my mood or activities, or even worse, never discovering a new (to me) artist or song is unthinkable.
Later that same week, my decision was affirmed when Spotify suggested a group that I had heard my children mention, but had never listened to, so I decided to give it a try. The result? I am now in love with Mumford & Sons. How did I go so long without this music in my life?
I then had this text exchange with my youngest daughter.
She took her role as music mentor seriously and promptly sent me a long playlist of some of her favorite songs from a variety of artists. Some of them I had heard, but many I had not, so I am currently working my way through the list and thoroughly enjoying the exposure to new music and even finding some new favorites of my own.
Health benefits of music
Anyway, all of this got me thinking about the possible health benefits of listening to music, so I decided to do a little research. I started by Googling, “Are there any health benefits to listening to music?”
I thought the resulting AI summary offered pretty good insight:
Listening to music offers numerous health benefits, impacting both mental and physical well-being. It can improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and even enhance cognitive function. Additionally, music can aid in pain management, improve sleep quality, and boost physical performance during exercise.
I’m no expert, but based on intuition and my personal experience, I would have to agree.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial than my gut feeling, you can read this Harvard Medical article, Music and Health, which addresses how music positively affects the brain, stress, mood, and movement.
A few of my favorite songs and artists
The following lists are in no way comprehensive, but they offer a pretty good sampling of what you may find me listening to.
Old favorites:
- Carole King’s Tapestry album
- Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors album
- Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water album
- Pink Floyd’s The Wall album
New (to me) discoveries:
- I Will Wait and Roll Away Your Stone, both by Mumford & Sons
- I’m Not A Cynic, by Alec Benjamin
- Both Hands, by Ani DiFranco
- Bad Fish, by Sublime
Songs that make me smile:
- Three Little Birds, by Bob Marley & The Wailers
- You Always Make Me Smile, by Kyle Andrews
- Don’t Worry Be Happy, by Bobby McFerrin
- I Can See Clearly Now, by Johnny Nash
Songs that make me cry…everytime:
- The Day Before the Day, by Dido
- Grafton Street, by Dido
- O Holy Night, by Josh Groban (or my nephew, Seth Kershisnik)
- The Gift, by Garth Brooks
Songs that empower me:
- Glorious, by Macklemore, Skylar Grey
- Fight Song, by Rachel Platten
- Till I Collapse, by Eminem, Nate Dogg
- You Learn, by Alanis Morisette
Your turn
- If you had to choose between only listening to your favorite song or artist over and over for the rest of your life (nothing else) or never listening to your favorite again, but being able to continue listening to all other music, which would you choose?
- Do you have a favorite song or artist? If so, which one?
- Is there a song guaranteed to make you cry, or smile, or dance?
Feature image by Omar Medina from Pixabay
I enjoy music, but often have no idea who I’m listening to. Of your favorites I’d know Carole King or Garth Brooks, but I’d probably be clueless about most of the other artists. I know this is odd, but that’s how I’m wired.
I hear you, Ally. I’m terrible with artists’ names, except those albums I listed that I used to listen to over and over.
My current favorite artist/band is 21 Pilots (favorite songs include Good Day, Oldies Station, and Mulberry Street). I do find much of what I listen to now is because of my boys listening to it or suggesting it.
I have heard of 21 Pilots, Joanne, but I don’t know if I’m familiar with their music. I don’t recognize those songs by name, but that’s not unusual for me. I’m going to listen to the songs you mentioned now. Thanks for sharing your favorites.
Oh, my gosh! My answer would definitely be the same as yours. I just can’t imagine life without music in it. During my teaching days, we had to take multiple intelligence tests to determine which intelligence was our highest (I hope that makes sense). I took several different ones, and my highest intelligence was always music which is hysterical! I cannot remember how a song goes (the melody part) for the life of me. I even struggle with Happy Birthday! In fact, that inability to sing a cappella is what kept me from being Valedictorian of my high school class. I got one B+ in four years (plus summer school classes) because I couldn’t sing soprano in a mixed quartet. All that to say, I love music and its rhythm, and, apparently, that heavily weighed when I took those tests.
I love “Tapestry” and would add “Sweet Baby James” because Carole King and James Taylor just seem to go together, don’t they? “The Wall (including the movie which explains so much of the music)” is an experience as is much of Pink Floyd’s music. I remember playing “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” on my mom’s console stereo with the volume cranked so high the windows rattled! There is nothing like vinyl.
I’m already writing a book so I’ll stop with songs I’ll always want to listen to: Anything from “Phantom of the Opera,” “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley, “Blackbird” by the Beatles, and “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
It’s funny how we can love music and not be able to carry a tune, isn’t it, Marsha? The singing talent all went to my sister and her children, I think. And yes, Carole King and James Taylor definitely go together. I do love James Taylor too, though I didn’t name him in my post. Now I’m going to go listen to a couple of your standbys. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Christie, I’d be the same as you – I’d need to be able to listen to a variety of music. The music I like to listen to depends on my mood and what I’m doing. Music can lift me out of sadness, it can help me deal with pain, help me sleep, etc. I love all the old favourites you listed. I have never heard of Mumford & Sons but will definitely have a listen after reading your post! Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy xo
Yes Min! I too like to match my music to my mood, my activities, or maybe a feeling I want to inspire. I’d love to hear what you think of Mumford & Sons.
Hi Christie – Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours was the soundtrack of my late teens and is still a big favourite for me – who doesn’t love “The Chain”?
As a recommendation I’d suggest “Smile” by Uncle Kracker – I have it as my phone’s ringtone because the chorus always lifts my mood. Here it is if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffej15-Dgl0
Yes to Fleetwood Mac, Leanne! My sister and I used to play that album while we sunbathed when my children were young. Now my daughters associate that music with their childhood and summer. I’m off to listen to Smile now. Thanks for the suggestion.
Oh wow, what a great post.
Half the time I do not know who I am listening to but I know what I like.
I used a show tune from Damn Yankees “Heart” as a constant in my driving back and forth to Sydney for cancer treatments and appointments as I sang it out loud and it helped me focus on my strength.
I like songs from WW 1 and WW2 because…just do.
Take care
Denyse
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Denyse. A lot of time I don’t know who I am listening to either. It seems we’re not alone in that. I love that you had a song to gather your strength during your cancer treatments. I’m going to listen to that song, Heart, now. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your song choices Christie. I usually listen to upbeat, happy songs most of the time and just yesterday I reconnected with Helen Reddy’s ‘I am woman’. I have music on in the background during teh day when I’m at home and my daughters often give me pointers of songs I might like. It’s a good way of staying connected and now my 6 year old granddaughter tells me her favourites too and sings along in the car with them. My granddaughter in England introduced us all to Fisherman Friends who sing sea shanties, which are great to sing a long to as well.
#teamwwwhimsy
I haven’t listened to “I am Woman” is a long time, Debbie, but you’ve inspired me to do it. I also love sharing music with my daughters and grandchildren!
I’m priobably a bit strange Christie, but I’d probable listen to my favourite music over and over. I rarely listen to music these days. I prefer to be listening to a book. Also I can’t listen to sad songs any more.
I don’t know if it’s strange, Jennifer, but you are in the minority of my little music survey. Luckily we don’t have to choose in reality. I don’t listen to many audio books, but I do love a good podcast, especially when we are on a road trip.
Music def is good for your health – in the Siege of Leningrad, when there was no food to eat and there Germans were closing in, they STILL played music in the streets piped through speakers ‘to keep people going’.
There are studies that EDM is good for mood, and depression. I would 100% agree with that. It def builds a shift in you. Love it.
I would struggle to pick my ONE favourite, but there’s always new great discoveries so I could def roll with that. #WWWHimsy
Thank you for the interesting information, Lydia. I can definitely imagine music buoying people up even in the most difficult of circumstances.
You might be interested in this. https://www.tebra.com/theintake/healthcare-reports/mental-health-practices/top-music-for-mental-health
Thanks Lydia. I’ll check it out.
Christie,
Thanks so much for stopping by!!!
I love your list of old favorites as they are mine too…I do love to listen to music as a lifter for my spirits… I hope you have a great Memorial Day Weekend!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thank you Deb! Happy Memorial Day weekend to you too!
Funny Mumford & ______ was a NYTimes mini-puzzle clue this week. I had no idea. Now I do!! Will check them out. Not familiar with their music (obviously, since I didn’t know their name). You seem to have an eclectic palate for favorite music/songs/artists. Love Carole King Tapestry and Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel. Really thought Dido was talented then she vanished. She may be singing new stuff now, I rarely listen to the radio. Or not to new music much at all. And Alanis. You Learn is so wise.
I listen to books most often at the gym but need to remember to take time to enjoy music more often. Thank you for the important reminder.
That is funny that Mumford & Sons has come up for you in two different contexts, Leslie. I think that means you need to listen to them! I never used to listen to new music, Leslie, but between my daughter’s recommendations and Spotify’s, I am branching out! I still like to go back to my old favorites frequently though. Happy listening!
I love music and have as long as I can remember. Whenever I’m driving, cleaning or getting ready for work, I have music on. I like all kinds but listen to country the most. Just today Mark shared a song with me that made me cry, and as you know, I’m not a crier. It’s called Please Don’t Go by Stephanie Rainey. If you REALLY want to cry, watch the video. Love you sis! 😘
I love music too, Cindy. I think we inherited that from our mother. Remember her listening to The Beatles and Neil Diamond while cleaning house, or watching Tom Jones on TV? I’m going to listen to Please Don’t Go now. I’ll see if I can find the video on YouTube. XO
I’m glad you warned me about REALLY crying, Cindy. I just watched the video and sobbed. It was worth it though, so beautiful. Thanks for sharing…and thank Mark.
I bet we did get our love of music from mom. 💜 I’m glad you liked the song, even though it’s very emotional.
That it is!
My taste in music hasn’t moved into the modern era at all. I still love a lot of what belongs in my parents’ era, and remain largely ignorant of current music as I don’t listen to the radio (except for talk radio and podcasts).
I am currently missing music, because I’ve not sorted out where to house my speaker set in my office. Unfortunately, my office tends to be the room where stuff ends up being kept while it transitions elsewhere, and so constantly needs work. Your post reminds me that I must prioritise getting all that stuff to the elsewheres they need to be so I can finish getting it properly set up for me. Thanks Christie 🙂
I still like a lot of the old music too, Debs. I don’t listen to radio much, but my children keep me abreast of new music they think I will like through Spotify. Good luck with your office sorting. I hope you have your speaker set up soon so you can get back to listening to music.