Music is something that connects us all. Regardless of language, genre or time period, music conveys a variety of emotions. These emotions can be very beneficial to one’s mental health.

When someone listens to their favorite songs they feel happy. But little do they know this also changes their brain. According to Hopkins Medicine, it has been found that music can not only help reduce depression and anxiety but it can also help lower blood pressure, improve sleep and help one’s memory. The stereotypes given to teenagers nowadays are that they are glued to their phones and are very outspoken. It is well known that Generation Z, people born between 1996-2012, commonly struggle with depression and anxiety. So, music has become a very helpful resource to them. Due to social media and insane amounts of homework, teenagers can also have terrible sleep schedules, which ends up affecting their ability to stay focused. According to Palladiumprivate, music has been proven to help. 

There are people who devote themselves to helping others through music therapy. Music therapy is where people use types of music to help with physical and emotional needs. Some ways that music therapy is used include playing music, singing, writing songs, dancing and just listening to music. According to NAMI, music therapy is found to be especially helpful for people living with dementia, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some teachers play music during tests to help students relax and concentrate. According to Healthline, the music genre that has been found the most effective is classical. One of the reasons that classical music is beneficial to listen to while taking tests is that it triggers sections of your brain such as the neocortex that can help one focus and improve their ability to reason based on the information that they have learned. It also does not have any words, so students do not get as easily distracted by the music while taking the test.

The brain’s neocortex is triggered by the rhythmic and repetitive aspects of classical music causing people to be less impulsive and calmer. So, the next time someone listens to music they should take a moment to consider its numerous positive mental and physical impacts.